Benign tumors of the lung and bronchus

Benign tumors of the lung and bronchus are a heterogeneous group of lesions that usually present as asymptomatic, solitary, peripheral lung nodules or, less commonly, as endobronchial lesions causing obstructive symptoms. All endobronchial lesions should be removed surgically to alleviate symptoms and to prevent destruction of distal lung tissue. Parenchymal lesions may present challenging problems in clinical diagnosis and management. Most patients will ultimately require thoracotomy for histologic confirmation of benignity. It is probable that newer diagnostic procedures will allow a more accurate nonoperative diagnosis in certain patients in the near future. At the present time, expeditious limited thoracotomy affords a safe, rapid, and effective treatment for patients with a benign tumor of the lung or bronchus.