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

• Alveolar Adenoma of Lung

What is Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma is a benign tumor of the lung. The tumor occurs mostly in the lung tissue and not in the airways
• These lung tumors are generally solitary and are observed in middle-aged and older adults. The exact cause of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma is unknown, and presently, no specific risk factors have been identified
• Most Pulmonary Alveolar Adenomas are asymptomatic, meaning that generally no signs and symptoms may be noted. Due to this reason, a majority of them are often diagnosed incidentally, while a diagnostic work-up is being performed for other medical conditions
• The healthcare provider may undertake treatment (surgical removal of the tumor) in case it causes worrisome signs and symptoms. A complete removal of the tumor commonly results in a cure
• The prognosis of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma is typically excellent, since these are benign tumors and no malignant transformation is noted

Who gets Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma is usually observed in adults, in the 40-80 year age category. The average age at diagnosis is 53 years
• The condition affects both males and females, but there is a slight predilection for females
• This condition is observed worldwide and there is no racial or ethnic group predilection noted

What are the Risk Factors for Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma

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 Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma is generally unknown.

• It may be caused by certain genetic defects which are not yet well-characterised
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma?

Pulmonary Alveolar Adenomas can arise in the following lung parts:

• The majority occur in the lung tissue or lung parenchyma, in which case the tumor is known as Parenchymal Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma
• The minority occur within the bronchial airways, in which case the tumor is known as Endobronchial Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma

A majority of Alveolar Adenomas of Lung present no clinical indications and remain asymptomatic. The following features may be observed:

• It is a slow-growing tumor that is usually single; multiple tumors are observed very infrequently
• The tumor size is usually about (or less than) 3 cm, though some may be 6 cm or more in size
• If the tumor occurs within the lung tissue (Parenchymal Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma), no signs and symptoms are usually present
• Endobronchial Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma also does not cause significant symptoms in a majority of individuals. In some cases, these endobronchial adenomas can cause coughing and blood in sputum (hemoptysis)

How is Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to detect and diagnose Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma. These may include:

• Physical examination and complete medical history screening: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider may listen to the chest using a stethoscope, to look for 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 (pulmonary 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. Even though this procedure may be performed, no tumor cells are generally 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
• Typically, due to a lack of signs and symptoms, Alveolar Adenoma of Lung is detected incidentally while performing diagnostic workup for some other medical issue

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 Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma?

There are no significant complications associated with Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma. However, in some cases the following may be observed:

• Obstruction of the airways in case of a large-sized tumor
• Some tumors may cause severe chest pain
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the lung tumor may resemble lung cancer

How is Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma Treated?

The treatment of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma may involve the following:

• 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 Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations, for those who have already endured the tumor are helpful

What is the Prognosis of Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor
• Studies have not indicated that this lung tumor type transforms into a malignancy. Moreover, there is no risk of tumor recurrence on its complete removal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pulmonary Alveolar Adenoma:

The following article link will help you understand other lung conditions:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/healthy-lungs/