[Endobronchial neurogenic tumors].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Endobronchial neurogenic tumors are exceptionally rare, comprising an estimated 0.2% to 4% of all such neoplasms.
• These tumors can be either schwannomas or neurofibromas, with potential associations with von Recklinghausen's disease.

Observation:

• Two cases are presented: a neurofibroma in a 32-year-old male and a schwannoma in a 10-year-old child, both involving main bronchi.
• Both patients required pneumonectomy due to extensive destruction of lung tissue distal to the tumor obstruction.

Findings:

• Diagnosis relies on endoscopic visualization and biopsy, identifying the specific neurogenic tumor type.
• While typically benign, malignant variants like neurogenic sarcomas or malignant schwannomas can occur.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and conservative management are recommended for benign endobronchial neurogenic tumors to prevent parenchymal destruction.
• Malignant forms have a poor prognosis, with chemotherapy showing potential utility in malignant schwannomas.