Endobronchial Cartilaginous Hamartoma in a Wheezing Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

A 57-year-old man presented to a local clinic with gradually progressive wheezing and was referred to our hospital. Chest computed tomography revealed atelectasis in the lingular segment of the left lung and a polypoid lesion in the left main bronchus. Endoscopic resection of the endobronchial tumour was performed with a high-frequency electrosurgical snare under general anaesthesia. Based on histological examination of the resected specimen, an endobronchial cartilaginous hamartoma was diagnosed. This approach may be an alternative for resection of selected benign endobronchial tumours. After 2 years of follow up, the patient remains free of disease. While endobronchial hamartoma is relatively rare, this diagnosis should be considered in a patient with respiratory complaints, such as gradual progression of wheezing and persistent cough.