Benign Tumors of the Tracheobronchial Tree: CT-Pathologic Correlation

Abstract

The tracheal tumors were eccentric, well-defined, polypoid masses in all cases. The endobronchial tumors were masses confined within the bronchus in all cases, and atelectasis or pneumonia of the distal parenchyma was frequently associated. Of the six hamartomas, one was a fatty mass, and two were nodules with calcification. The others were soft-tissue-density nodules. The lipomas manifested as fat density on CT scans in both cases. The other benign tumors were low-attenuating, soft-tissue-density masses without characteristic findings on CT scans.

Tracheobronchial tumors

“…Most commonly, the patients seek treatment because of cough and hemoptysis, chest pain, dyspnea, localized wheezing, recurrent pneumonia, or atelectasis due to bronchial obstruction. In the absence of airway obstruction, the patient may be asymptomatic (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Lung function may be impaired in patients with TBT.…”

“…The chest radiographic may demonstrate normal findings, a solitary pulmonary nodule, or bronchial obstruction with distal atelectasis or consolidation. Therefore, if there is clinical or radiographic suspicion of a TBT, further evaluation with computed tomography (CT) is recommended (5,12,13). CT imaging is the standard imaging tool for diagnosis and evaluation of tumor extent.…”

“…These tumors are slow growing and usual presentation is related to bronchial obstruction. Benign lesions of the trachea often remain undiagnosed for months or even years, misdiagnosed as COPD or asthma (2,3,5,53). The clinical and radiographic features of benign TBT cannot be often differentiated from those of malignant tumors.…”

“…Many of these lesions have similar radiographic manifestations which are often non-specific and include atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and mediastinal shifts. Early recognition and diagnosis of these tumors may allow conservative treatment and excellent patient outcome (3,5).…”

“…Papillomas are normally classified into three separate categories: multiple papillomas, inflammatory polyps, and solitary papillomas. In adults, solitary BP are more common, prevalent in smokers, middle aged men (5,53). Multiple BP of the upper airways, often referred to juvenile laryngotracheal papillomatosis reflects neoplastic growth secondary to infection with human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 (68).…”