Epithelial and soft tissue tumors of the tracheobronchial tree

Endobronchial Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Series of Five Cases Highlighting Pitfalls in Diagnosis

Background

Primary endobronchial smooth muscle tumors (SMTs), which are extremely rare, include endobronchial leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. Clinically, SMTs present with signs and symptoms of bronchial obstruction, and lack specific radiological findings. Thus, histopathological examination is required for accurate diagnosis as well as for tumor grading. We examined the histomorphological and immunohistochemical features of endobronchial SMTs and highlighted pitfalls in diagnosis, particularly when using small biopsies.

Methods

Cases of primary endobronchial SMTs diagnosed at our Institute over the last 6 years (2012–2017) were retrieved from the departmental archives. Histopathological features and immunohistochemistry performed for establishing the diagnosis were reviewed.

Results

Five cases of SMTs occurring in endobronchial locations were identified. These included three cases of leiomyoma, and two cases of leiomyosarcoma. The age distribution of patients ranged from 13 to 65 years. Leiomyomas showed more consistent staining with smooth muscle markers (smooth muscle actin, desmin, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain), while tumors of higher grade showed variable, focal staining, leading to erroneous diagnosis, especially on small biopsies.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of endobronchial SMTs relies on histopathological examination, for both confirmation of smooth muscle lineage and determination of the malignant potential of the lesion. Appropriate immunohistochemical panels including more than one marker of smooth muscle differentiation are extremely valuable for differential diagnosis from morphological mimics, which is necessary for instituting appropriate management.

Clinical and Radiological Manifestations of Primary Tracheobronchial Tumours: A Single Centre Experience

Introduction: Tracheobronchial tumours usually cause an airway obstruction and secondary pulmonary infections. Although rare, they are an important differential diagnosis as they may mimic other conditions and diseases. This paper aims to analyse clinical, radiological and histological characteristics of the patients with tracheobronchial tumours diagnosed for a period of 7 years. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we carefully reviewed 65 patients who were diagnosed with tracheal and endobronchial tumours, and performed statistical analysis on the results. Results: Among these 65 patients (36 men and 29 women) with a mean age of 48.8 years (range, 15 to 75), 50 had malignant tumours while 15 had benign ones. The most common symptoms were cough, chest pain and haemoptysis. Cough was a more frequent symptom in patients with benign tumours (P <0.0014). Only 2 patients were asymptomatic. Tumours were predominantly localised in the large airways (46 in large bronchi and 2 in trachea). The most common radiological manifestation of malignant tumours was tumour mass (46%) followed by atelectasis. One third benign tumour caused atelectasis, while tumour mass and consolidation were found in 3 patients each. Computerised tomography revealed endoluminal tumour mass in 29.2% of the cases, which was more frequently found in benign than malignant tumours (47% vs 24%, respectively). On bronchoscopy, tumours were visible in 73% and 70% benign and malignant cases respectively. Conclusion: Tracheobronchial tumours should be ruled as a possible diagnosis in patients with cough, haemoptysis, dyspnoea and chest pain. The imaging techniques and histological examination of the tissue would subsequently lead to correct diagnosis and proper treatment can be administered. Key words: Bronchus, Computerised tomography, Trachea, Tumour, X-ray

Pediatric pulmonary tumors: primary and metastatic

Pediatric pulmonary tumors are rare. There is often a significant delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tumors secondary to their rarity and nonspecific presenting physiologic and radiographic findings. A high index of suspicion in pediatric patients with recurrent or persistent pulmonary symptoms is of paramount importance in diagnosing pulmonary tumors at an early stage. Malignant pulmonary tumors are more frequently diagnosed than benign lesions, with metastatic cancers being the most common. Complete surgical resection remains the basis of therapy for primary lesions, and its role in secondary cancers is becoming more established. Adjuvant therapies are frequently employed depending on the precise tumor involved. Mortality rates vary greatly depending on tumor location, stage, and type.