1992 Volume 14 Issue 2 Pages 201-205
Endobronchial lipoma is a rare benign disease which should be differentiated from the much more common lung cancer. Only 32 such tumors have been reported in Japan. Since they simulate carcinomas of the lung in many ways, they are of great importance despite their rarity. Moreover, they may cause all the symptoms and signs of bronchial obstruction. A case report and review of the Japanese literatures concerning this rare tumor is presented. A 52-year-old woman was admitted because of productive cough for 6 months' duration. She had a history of frequent attacks of pneumonia in the right lower lung field. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a smooth, pinkish mass occluding the right middle lobe bronchus. Biopsy specimens yielded fat tissue with infiltrative inflammatory cells, which were insufficient for diagnosis. A right middle lobectomy was performed followed by an uneventful recovery.
