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

• Pulmonary Squamous Cell Papilloma
• Solitary Endobronchial Papilloma
• Squamous Papilloma of Lung

What is Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung? (Definition/Background Information)

• Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung is a very rare and benign tumor. This tumor is often solitary and is generally observed in young and middle-aged adults
• The condition is also known as Endobronchial Papilloma, since it normally develops within the bronchial airways (or bronchus).
• The exact cause of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung is unknown, but it is associated with obesity and human papillomavirus (HPV, a sexually transmitted virus)
• Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lungs may present chest pain and cough 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, else a ‘wait and watch’ approach may be adopted
• The prognosis of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung is typically excellent with treatment, since these are benign tumors

Who gets Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung occurs infrequently. It is usually observed in adults in the age group of 20-50 years
• The condition affects both males and females, but males are affected more than females 
• Pulmonary Squamous Cell Papilloma may be observed worldwide; there is no racial or ethnic group predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung? (Predisposing Factors)

Currently, the following risk factors have been identified for Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung:

• Smoking
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some tumors are positive for the sexually-transmitted HPV infection

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's 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 Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung is generally unknown
• It is believed by certain research scientists that the human papillomavirus could be a causative agent, since some tumors test positive for the presence of this virus

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung?

The signs and symptoms of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lungs may include:

• It is a slow-growing tumor that is usually single
• The tumor size ranges from 0.5 cm to 3.0 cm, though some may grow to larger sizes
• In some cases, the tumor can cause chest pain, persistent cough, fevers, and blood in sputum

Squamous Papilloma of Lung typically arises in the bronchial airways.

How is Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to diagnose Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung that may include:

• Physical examination and complete medical history screening: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider may listen to the lung  with a stethoscope, to detect 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. This procedure may be performed, however no tumor cells may be 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. Nevertheless, FNAB is not a preferred method for the biopsy of lung tumors
• 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

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 Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung?

There are no significant complications typically associated with Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung. However, in some cases the following may be observed:

• Obstruction of the airways in case of a large-sized tumor
• Pneumonia
• Severe chest pain
• Large tumors may also compress the heart and impede its functioning
• Worry and stress in the individual, since it can resemble lung cancer during the initial stages

How is Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung Treated?

The treatment of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung may involve the following:

• In a majority of 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 Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung
• However, the potential risk factors for the condition, such as smoking and sexual infection due to HPV, may be avoided

What is the Prognosis of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung:

Depending upon the histologic type of the tumor, Squamous Cell Papilloma of Lung may be classified as the following types:

• Squamous papilloma
• Glandular papilloma
• Mixed squamous and glandular papilloma