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Endobronchial metastasis
R F Heitmiller1, W J Marasco, R H Hruban
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Endobronchial metastases, rare tumors in the airways, often originate from breast, colon, or kidney cancers. Diagnosis is typically confirmed via bronchoscopy, with surgical resection reserved for localized cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
Background:
- Endobronchial metastases from nonpulmonary neoplasms are uncommon.
- This study analyzes findings from 23 patients treated for endobronchial metastases since 1971.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of endobronchial metastases.
- To evaluate the role of bronchoscopy and surgical resection in managing these rare occurrences.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 23 patients diagnosed with endobronchial metastases.
- Diagnostic confirmation through bronchoscopic examination and biopsy.
Main Results:
- Breast, colon, and renal carcinomas were the most frequent primary tumors.
- The average time from primary cancer diagnosis to endobronchial metastasis diagnosis was approximately 5 years (59.9 months).
- Bronchoscopy provided a definitive diagnosis in all cases; however, most patients presented with symptomatic extrabronchial disease, leading to poor survival (mean 12.5 months).
Conclusions:
- Endobronchial metastases are rare but diagnostically accessible via bronchoscopy.
- Given the typically advanced stage at diagnosis and poor prognosis, surgical resection is best limited to patients with localized disease.