[Endobronchial lipoma. Therapeutic considerations].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Endobronchial lipomas are rare, benign tumors originating from adipose tissue within the airways.
• Airway obstruction is the most common clinical manifestation, presenting with symptoms like dyspnea and cough.

Observation:

• A rare case of a large endobronchial lipoma obstructing the left main bronchus and extending to the bronchial carina is presented.
• Initial computed tomography (CT) revealed a homogeneous, fat-density mass without contrast enhancement, suggestive of lipoma.

Findings:

• Bronchoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of endobronchial lipoma.
• While endoscopic resection was attempted, it proved insufficient due to the tumor's extensive involvement.

Implications:

• Complex endobronchial lipomas may necessitate advanced surgical techniques, including open resection with carinal involvement.
• Superior lobectomy with carinal resection and bronchoplasty successfully treated the extensive tumor, avoiding a left pneumonectomy.