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

• Papillary Adenoma of Lung

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

• Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma is an uncommon benign tumor of the lung. The tumor occurs mostly in the lung tissue and not in the airways (unlike certain other benign lung tumors)
• These lung tumors are generally solitary and are observed in children and adults. The exact cause of Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma is unknown, and presently, no specific risk factors have been identified
• Most Pulmonary Papillary 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) to rule out lung cancer. A complete removal of the tumor commonly results in a cure
• The prognosis of Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma is typically excellent, since these are benign tumors and no malignant transformation is noted

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

• Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma is usually observed in children and adults, in the 7-60 year age category. The average age at diagnosis is 32 years
• The tumor is seen in both males and females, but there is a predilection for males
• This condition is observed worldwide and there is no racial or ethnic group predilection noted

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

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Pulmonary Papillary 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 Papillary Adenoma? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Pulmonary Papillary 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 Papillary Adenoma?

Pulmonary Papillary Adenomas can arise in the following lung parts:

• The majority occur in the lung tissue or lung parenchyma (in about 99% of the cases), in the peripheral region. Due to this, the tumor is known as a Peripheral Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma
• Very few tumors occur within the central region of the lungs (the remaining 1% of the cases); in which case, the tumor is known as Central Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma

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

• Papillary Adenoma of Lung is a slow-growing tumor that is usually single; multiple tumors are observed very infrequently
• The tumor size is usually between 1 cm and 4 cm
• Most of the times, the tumor occurs within the lung tissue (Parenchymal Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma), and it usually causes no significant signs and symptoms

How is Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to detect and diagnose Pulmonary Papillary 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
• Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma can cause difficulty during a frozen section, since it can mimic cancer
• Typically, due to a lack of signs and symptoms, Papillary 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 Papillary Adenoma?

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

• Some tumors may cause severe chest pain
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the lung tumor may resemble lung cancer

How is Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma Treated?

The treatment of Pulmonary Papillary 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 Papillary Adenoma be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Pulmonary Papillary 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 Papillary Adenoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Pulmonary Papillary 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 Papillary Adenoma:

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

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