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

• Leiomyoma of Lung
• Primary Leiomyoma of Lung

What is Pulmonary Leiomyoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pulmonary Leiomyoma is a rare, benign tumor that is generally observed to develop in the lung parenchyma. A leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor that can develop anywhere in the body
• The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is associated with HIV infection in children. Pulmonary Leiomyoma is mostly seen to develop in young females
• Leiomyoma of Lung 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
• The treatment of choice is a surgical removal of the entire tumor. The prognosis of Pulmonary Leiomyoma is excellent with appropriate treatment

Who gets Pulmonary Leiomyoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pulmonary Leiomyomas are typically observed in young women; children may also be affected
• Both males and females are affected, though there is a female predominance for the condition
• There is no particular geographical, racial, or ethnic preference noticed

What are the Risk Factors for Pulmonary Leiomyoma? (Predisposing Factors)

• No risk factors are typically evident for Pulmonary Leiomyoma
• Nevertheless, the condition is usually associated with HIV infection in children

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 Leiomyoma? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Pulmonary Leiomyoma development is unknown
• Research is being performed to understand the causative factors of this rare condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Leiomyoma?

The signs and symptoms of Pulmonary Leiomyoma include:

• Most tumors occur as solitary, well-circumscribed masses
• Around one-third of the tumors arise in endobronchial location (bronchial airways); but a majority of them are seen to form in the lung parenchyma
• It can also occur in the trachea
• Leiomyoma of Lung may present cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and blood in sputum
• Some tumors may not present any significant signs and symptoms other than the presence of a mass

How is Pulmonary Leiomyoma Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Pulmonary Leiomyoma may involve:

• Complete physical examination with thorough evaluation of medical history
• CT, MRI scans 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
• Open biopsy of tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of tumor: A needle biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a needle biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types is considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis

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 Leiomyoma?

The possible complications of Pulmonary Leiomyoma include:

• Obstruction of the airways in case of a large-sized tumor
• Large tumors may also compress the heart and impede its functioning
• Obstructive pneumonia
• Severe chest pain
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the lung tumor may resemble lung cancer during the early stages
• Recurrence of Leiomyoma of Lung on its incomplete removal

How is Pulmonary Leiomyoma Treated?

Following are the treatment methods for Pulmonary Leiomyoma:

• Asymptomatic leiomyomas may not require any treatment
• A simple surgical excision and removal of the entire tumor is normally sufficient treatment
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Pulmonary Leiomyoma be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Pulmonary Leiomyoma.

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

• The prognosis of Pulmonary Leiomyoma is generally excellent on a surgical excision and removal of the tumor
• However, periodic follow-up check-ups with screening may be required

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pulmonary Leiomyoma:

Leiomyomas may develop on many organs of the body, such as the genitalia, colon, abdomen, and in the deep soft tissues.