Endobronchial metastases from endometrial carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pulmonology
• Pathology

Background:

• Endometrial carcinoma is a common gynecologic malignancy.
• Metastatic spread typically involves pelvic lymph nodes, peritoneum, and distant organs like the lungs or liver.
• Endobronchial metastases are an exceptionally rare presentation of endometrial carcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of endobronchial metastasis from endometrial carcinoma.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical implications of this unusual presentation.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 78-year-old woman with a history of endometrial carcinoma.
• Diagnostic workup included computed tomography (CT) scan and flexible bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy.
• Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the endobronchial mass.

Main Results:

• CT revealed an obstructing endobronchial mass, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion, and lung nodules.
• Bronchoscopy confirmed the obstructing mass.
• Biopsy diagnosed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with endometrial origin.

Conclusions:

• Endobronchial metastasis from endometrial carcinoma is exceedingly rare, with only one prior report.
• This case underscores the need for a broad differential diagnosis in patients with a history of endometrial cancer presenting with pulmonary symptoms.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for patients with rare metastatic patterns.