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Endobronchial Lipoma

Article
Healthy Lungs
Diseases & Conditions
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBASep 08, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Symptoms)

  • EL (Endobronchial Lipoma)

What is Endobronchial Lipoma? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Endobronchial Lipoma (EL) is a very rare and benign lung tumor composed of fat tissues that generally occur within the bronchial airways
  • These lung tumors are solitary and generally observed in older men. The exact cause of Endobronchial Lipoma is unknown, but it is strongly associated with obesity and smoking
  • Endobronchial Lipomas may present chest pain, cough, and fever that may lead to complications such as pneumonia and obstruction of the airways
  • The healthcare provider may undertake treatment (surgical removal of the tumor) in case it causes worrisome signs and symptoms, else a ‘wait and watch’ approach may be adopted
  • The prognosis of Endobronchial Lipoma is typically excellent since these are benign tumors

Who gets Endobronchial Lipoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Endobronchial Lipoma is highly infrequent. It is usually observed in adults over the age of 50 years
  • The condition affects both males and females, but males are more frequently observed to have Endobronchial Lipomas
  • This condition is observed worldwide and there is no racial or ethnic group predilection

What are the Risk Factors for Endobronchial Lipoma? (Predisposing Factors)

Currently, the following risk factors have been identified for Endobronchial Lipoma:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking: For some reason, a majority of the tumors are observed in smokers

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Endobronchial Lipoma? (Etiology)

  • The cause of development of Endobronchial Lipoma is generally unknown
  • Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Endobronchial Lipoma?

A majority of Endobronchial Lipomas remain asymptomatic and no clinical indications may be noted. In general, the following features may be observed:

  • It is a slow-growing tumor that is usually single in presentation
  • Multiple tumors may be observed very infrequently
  • In some cases, the tumor can cause chest pain, cough, fevers, and blood in sputum

Endobronchial Lipoma typically arises in the bronchial airways, though in very rare cases, this fatty tumor can also occur in the lung parenchyma (lung tissue).

How is Endobronchial Lipoma Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to diagnose Endobronchial Lipoma that may include:

  • Physical examination and complete medical history screening: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider may listen to the lung  with a stethoscope, to detect the presence of any abnormal lung sounds
  • Imaging studies that may include a chest x-ray, MRI scan or CT scan of the lungs
  • Arterial blood gases
  • Lung function test
  • Sputum cytology: This procedure involves the collection of mucus (sputum), coughed-up by a patient, which is then examined in a laboratory by a pathologist. This procedure may be performed, however no tumor cells may be noted

A tissue biopsy refers to a medical procedure that involves the removal of cells or tissues, which are then examined by a pathologist. This can help establish a definitive diagnosis. The different biopsy procedures may include: 

  • Bronchoscopy: During bronchoscopy, a special medical instrument called a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose and into the lungs to collect small tissue samples. These samples are then examined by a pathologist, after the tissues are processed, in an anatomic pathology laboratory
  • Thoracoscopy: During thoracoscopy, a surgical scalpel is used to make very tiny incisions into the chest wall. A medical instrument called a thoracoscope is then inserted into the chest, in order to examine and remove tissue from the chest wall, which are then examined further
  • Thoracotomy: Thoracotomy is a surgical invasive procedure with special medical instruments to open-up the chest. This allows a physician to remove tissue from the chest wall or the surrounding lymph nodes of the lungs. A pathologist will then examine these samples under a microscope after processing the tissue in a laboratory
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): During fine needle aspiration biopsy, a device called a cannula is used to extract tissue or fluid from the lungs, or surrounding lymph nodes. These are then examined in an anatomic pathology laboratory, in order to determine any signs of abnormality
  • Autofluorescence bronchoscopy: It is a bronchoscopic procedure in which a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose and into the lungs and measure light from abnormal precancerous tissue. Samples are collected for further examination by a pathologist

Note: A tissue biopsy is preferred to a fine needle aspiration biopsy, because of the uncommon nature of the tumor.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Endobronchial Lipoma?

There are no significant complications typically associated with Endobronchial Lipoma. However, in some cases the following may be observed:

  • Obstruction of the airways in case of a large-sized tumor
  • Pneumonia
  • Severe chest pain
  • Large tumors may also compress the heart and impede its functioning
  • Tremendous psychological stress in the individual, since it can mimic lung cancer

How is Endobronchial Lipoma Treated?

The treatment of Endobronchial Lipoma may involve the following:

  • In a majority of cases, removal of the tumor is not necessary, unless it causes bothersome signs and symptoms. In such cases, the healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach and regular checkups
  • The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision, which can result in a cure
  • Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Endobronchial Lipoma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Endobronchial Lipoma.

What is the Prognosis of Endobronchial Lipoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Endobronchial Lipoma is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Endobronchial Lipoma:

Endobronchial Lipomas are benign tumors composed of adipose tissues (fatty tissues).

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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