[Glandular papilloma in the left main bronchus: an extremely rare bronchoscopic diagnosis]

We present the case of an 81-year-old patient who had previously been in a good general, cardiopulmonary symptom-free condition before developing progressive dyspnea and hemoptysis within about 10 days. The underlying cause was an exophytically growing tumor which occluded the left main bronchus. Under the suspected diagnosis of lung cancer, the tumor was endoscopically removed. Histopathologically, however, it proved to be a glandular papilloma. The latter belongs to the variable group of benign lung tumors, more precisely: to the solitary papillomas originating from respiratory epithelium. Glandular papillomas are extremely rare: So far, less than 50 cases have been documented worldwide. Thus, the empirical basis for assessing their characteristics and their adequate diagnosis and treatment is scarce. This paper systematizes the findings to date and relates them to the current case. The differential diagnosis of glandular papillomas from other solitary respiratory papillomas, as well as from lung carcinomas, is difficult. Histopathology is crucial for the definite diagnosis. For ensuring a representative amount of material and maximum safety, glandular papillomas should always be removed as completely as possible. If feasible, the endoscopic procedure is the method of choice.