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

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.