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

• Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma of Lung
• Pulmonary Transitional Papilloma
• Transitional Papilloma of Lung

What is Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma is a rare benign tumor of the lung, which can occur either in the lung tissue or within the bronchial airways. Most tumors occur in the airways
• These lung tumors are generally solitary and are observed in older adults. The exact cause of Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma is unknown, and presently, no specific risk factors have been identified
• In some, Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papillomas are asymptomatic, meaning that generally no signs and symptoms may be noted. Due to this reason, a minority of them are often diagnosed incidentally, while a diagnostic work-up is being performed for other medical conditions. In many, it can cause signs and symptoms such as blood in cough, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
• 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. A complete removal of the tumor commonly results in a cure
• The prognosis of Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma is typically excellent, since these are benign tumors and no malignant transformation is noted

Who gets Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma is usually observed in adults, in the 55-75 year age category. The average age at diagnosis is 64 years
• The condition affects both males and females
• This condition is observed worldwide and there is no racial or ethnic group predilection noted

What are the Risk Factors for Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been definitely identified for Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma
• However, longstanding smoking may contribute towards the tumor development 

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 Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma 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 Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma?

Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papillomas can arise in the following lung parts:

• The majority occur within the bronchial airways, in which case the tumor is known as Endobronchial Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma
• Rarely they can occur in the lung tissue or lung parenchyma, in which case the tumor is known as Parenchymal Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma

In general, Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papillomas of Lung may or may not present clinical indications based on their location in the lung. 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 ranges from 0.2 cm to 3 cm
• If the tumor occurs within the lung tissue (Parenchymal Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma), no signs and symptoms are usually present
• Endobronchial Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma also does not cause significant symptoms in some individuals. However, in many cases, these tumors can cause coughing, wheezing, and blood in sputum (hemoptysis)

How is Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to detect and diagnose Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma. 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
• 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 of Pulmonary Grandular Papilloma. 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 Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma?

There are no significant complications typically associated with Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma. However, in some cases the following may be observed:

• Obstruction of the airways in case of a large-sized tumor
• Incomplete removal can result in tumor recurrence
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the lung tumor may resemble lung cancer

How is Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma Treated?

The treatment of Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma may involve the following:

• In some 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 Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma.

• However, smoking cessation is helpful in decreasing one’s chance of developing lung tumors
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations, for those who have already endured the tumor are helpfu

What is the Prognosis of Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Pulmonary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma 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 Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma:

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

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