Bronchial adenomas
Bronchial adenomas, also referred to as bronchial gland tumors or mucous gland adenomas, are slow-growing tumors that primarily develop in the trachea or bronchi, the large air passages leading to the lungs. These tumors can include carcinoids and adenoid cystic carcinoma, and are relatively rare, constituting about 1 to 3 percent of pulmonary tumors. They can affect individuals of all ages, but are most commonly diagnosed in people aged 30 to 50, with no significant gender differences in incidence. Symptoms can overlap with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis, and may include difficulty breathing, hoarseness, persistent cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), wheezing, and recurring pneumonia.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans, and can be confirmed through bronchoscopy, where a small camera is used to examine the airways and obtain tissue samples. Treatment options depend on tumor characteristics and may involve radiation therapy, surgical removal of the tumor, or laser ablation. The prognosis following treatment is generally excellent, with a low rate of recurrence and minimal risk of metastasis. Understanding bronchial adenomas is crucial for early detection and effective management of the condition.
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Subject Terms
Bronchial adenomas
ALSO KNOWN AS: Bronchial gland tumors, mucous gland adenomas, bronchial carcinoid tumors, cylindromas
RELATED CONDITIONS: Carcinoid syndrome
DEFINITION: A bronchial adenoma is a slow-growing tumor in the windpipe (trachea) or in the large air passages (bronchi) leading from the windpipe to the lungs.
Risk factors: The cause and risk factors for bronchial adenomas are not known.
Etiology and the disease process: A bronchial adenoma can be one of several types of tumors that begin in the mucous glands; the main types are carcinoids and adenoid cystic carcinoma (also called cylindroma). The tumors are usually small and slow-growing and, therefore, may not be diagnosed for years. Symptoms of bronchial adenoma may be confused with those of bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Incidence: Approximately 1 to 3 percent of pulmonary (relating to the lungs) tumors are bronchial adenomas. Bronchial adenomas can be found in individuals of all ages but usually occur in people between the ages of thirty and fifty. The incidence is equal for men and women.
Symptoms: Some of the symptoms of bronchial adenomas are difficulty breathing, hoarseness, a persistent cough, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), wheezing sounds, or pneumonia that recurs or is slow to end.
Screening and diagnosis: A chest x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect a tumor. Often, physicians will use a bronchoscopy, a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a very small camera is used to look at the trachea and bronchi and take a sample of cells (biopsy) for testing. This test can distinguish a bronchial adenoma from other types of tissue growth. Sometimes, it may be necessary to insert a needle through the chest wall, between the ribs, to take the biopsy for determination of the type of tumor.
Treatment and therapy: Several factors are used to determine a course of treatment. These factors include the progression of the cancer, age, and health.
One treatment is radiation. In this, high-energy X-rays are employed to destroy cancer cells. Radiation can be administered by a machine or by radioactive pellets injected in close proximity to a tumor.
Another treatment for bronchial adenoma is surgical removal of the tumor. If the tumor is small, surgery may be bronchoscopic (during a bronchoscopy) or open-lung surgery. There is a small chance of recurrence and a minimal chance of metastases. Laser ablation (removal) of a bronchial adenoma may be done through a bronchoscope, especially for recurring tumors.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: Following removal of the tumor, there is an excellent long-term prognosis for individuals with a bronchial adenoma.
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