Bronchial adenoma

Definition

A bronchial adenoma is a type of tumor in the windpipe (trachea) or large airways of the lung (bronchi) that usually blocks the airway. Although the term bronchial adenoma was once used to refer to noncancerous (benign) airway tumors, these tumors (with the exception of mucous gland adenomas), are now known to spread to other areas of the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

These tumors grow slowly and rarely spread (metastasize). The cause is unknown. This type of tumor tends to cause bleeding or to block a lung or lung lobe.

Symptoms

• Bloody sputum
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Slowly resolving pneumonia
• Collapse of a lung lobe or segment
• Cough lasting more than 6 weeks

Other symptoms that can (rarely) occur with this disease:

• Skin blushing/flushing

See also: Carcinoid syndrome

Signs and tests

• Bronchoscopy
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan

Treatment

Removing the tumor with surgery or endoscopy is the standard treatment.

Expectations (prognosis)

Surgery usually results in a complete cure. The ability of these tumors to spread can vary, but most have a good prognosis when removed with surgery.

Complications

• Bleeding
• Blocked airway
• Pneumonia
• Tumor spreads to lymph nodes in the area (this can vary, depending on tumor type)

Calling your health care provider

• Bleeding (hemoptysis)
• Breathing difficulty