Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to endobronchial metastases from extra-thoracic neoplasms: A report of three cases and brief review of literature

Tunis Med. 2024 Dec 5;102(12):1089-1095. doi: 10.62438/tunismed.v102i12.5202.

Abstract

Introduction: Endobronchial metastases (EBMs) are rare, with primary tumours predominantly of breast, renal, and colorectal origin. Bronchoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard, with histological confirmation through immunohistochemical study.

Cases: We presented three cases of EBMs, one secondary to colorectal cancer and two associated with renal tumours. EBM unveiled the extra-thoracic neoplasm in colorectal cancer and was incidentally discovered during renal cancer follow-up. Bronchoscopy revealed an obstructive endobronchial mass in two cases. Histological diagnosis was established via bronchial biopsies (collecting duct renal carcinoma), computed tomography-guided transparietal lung biopsy (clear cell renal carcinoma), and endobronchial mass resection through rigid bronchoscopy (colorectal adenocarcinoma).

Conclusion: In case of an endobronchial lesion, the diagnosis of EBM should be evoked especially when the medical history reports extra-thoracic neoplasms. This diagnostic hypothesis guides the histological diagnosis and leads to an appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy; Case report; Colorectal cancer; Endobronchial; Metastasis; Renal cancer; literature review.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Aged
  • Bronchial Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Bronchial Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Bronchial Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Bronchoscopy* / methods
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged