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

• Benign Mixed Tumor of Lung
• Pleomorphic Adenoma of Lung
• Pulmonary Mixed Tumor

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

• Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma is a benign tumor of the lung, which can occur either in the lung tissue or within the bronchial airways
• These lung tumors are generally solitary and are observed in children and adults. The exact cause of Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma is unknown, and presently, no specific risk factors have been identified
• Many Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenomas are asymptomatic, meaning that generally no signs and symptoms may be noted. Due to this reason, a many of them are often diagnosed incidentally, while a diagnostic work-up is being performed for other medical conditions
• Treatment involving the surgical removal of the tumor may be undertaken by the healthcare provider. A complete removal of the tumor can result in a cure
• The prognosis of Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma is typically excellent, since these are benign tumors. Although malignant transformations have been noted in rare cases

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

• Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma is usually observed in children and adults, in the 10-70 year age category
• The condition affects both males and females, but there is a predilection for males (male-female ratio is 5:2)
• This condition is observed worldwide and there is no racial or ethnic group predilection noted

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

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

The cause of development of Pulmonary Pleomorphic 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 Pleomorphic Adenoma?

Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenomas can arise in the following lung parts:

• Within the bronchial airways (majority of cases), in which case the tumor is known as Endobronchial Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma
• In the lung tissue or lung parenchyma (minority of cases), in which case the tumor is known as Parenchymal Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma

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

• In many, Pleomorphic Adenoma of Lung is a slow-growing tumor that is usually single; multiple tumors are observed very infrequently. In some, it can be a fast-growing tumor
• The tumor size is about (or less than) 4 cm, though some may be 10 cm or more
• If the tumor occurs within the lung tissue (Parenchymal Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma), no signs and symptoms are usually present
• Small-sized tumors do not cause significant symptoms in a majority of individuals. In some cases, Endobronchial Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenomas (especially if large) can cause coughing and blood in sputum

How is Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to detect and diagnose Pulmonary Pleomorphic 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.

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 Pleomorphic Adenoma?

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

• Obstruction of the airways, in case of a large-sized tumor
• Large tumors may also compress the heart and impede its function
• Some tumors may cause severe chest pain
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the lung tumor may resemble lung cancer
• In some cases, Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma can spread to the surrounding lung tissue. Rarely, these tumors can also be very aggressive causing significant complications
• In some individuals, the tumor can become malignant causing carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma

How is Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma Treated?

The treatment of Pulmonary Pleomorphic 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 Pleomorphic Adenoma be Prevented?

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

• The prognosis for Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor
• There is risk of tumor recurrence, if it is incompletely removed
• Studies have indicated that this lung tumor type can transform into highly-aggressive tumors in some rare cases. The prognosis of malignant Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma in such cases, will depend upon the stage of the tumor

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pulmonary Pleomorphic Adenoma:

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

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