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Endobronchial Lipoma: A Hidden Obstruction Behind Chronic Cough
Zeinab El Mawla1, Bilal Damen2
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Lebanese University Beirut Lebanon.
Respirology Case Reports
|July 24, 2025
Summary
Rare endobronchial lipomas, benign lung tumors, can mimic common respiratory conditions. Prompt diagnosis and surgical or bronchoscopic excision are crucial for symptom resolution and excellent prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Endobronchial lipomas are rare, benign tumors originating from bronchial submucosal fat, comprising <0.5% of all lung tumors.
- These tumors often present with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, frequently misdiagnosed as asthma, COPD, or infections, complicating diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical presentation of endobronchial lipomas.
- To emphasize the importance of considering benign bronchial tumors in the differential diagnosis of chronic respiratory symptoms, particularly in smokers.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 54-year-old female smoker with a three-month history of chronic cough, dyspnea, and recurrent infections.
- Diagnostic workup included chest imaging revealing left lung collapse and bronchoscopy identifying a left main bronchus obstructing mass.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed endobronchial lipoma.
Main Results:
- The patient's symptoms were initially attributed to bronchitis or COPD exacerbations, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Bronchoscopy revealed a polypoidal mass causing significant bronchial obstruction.
- Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of endobronchial lipoma.
Conclusions:
- Endobronchial lipomas require consideration in the differential diagnosis of persistent respiratory complaints, especially in patients with a smoking history.
- Complete tumor excision via bronchoscopy or surgery is the definitive treatment.
- Successful treatment leads to excellent prognosis and complete symptom resolution.
Keywords:
benign lung tumoursbronchial obstructioncase reportchronic coughdyspneaendobronchial lipomalung collapserecurrent infectionssmokingMore Related Videos
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