Endobronchial lipoma.

We have described three cases of endobronchial lipoma, which is among the least common neoplasms found in the tracheobronchial tree. If these tumors, which occur most commonly in men, are not recognized early and removed, they may produce progressive bronchial obstruction and cause recurrent bouts of obstructive pneumonitis, irreversible bronchiectasis, and pulmonary damage. Endobronchial lipomas are usually accessible to endoscopic excision, preventing permanent lung damage.