Bronchial Leiomyoma: Importance of Preoperative Biopsy for Lung Preserving Surgery

Abstract

Tracheobronchial leiomyoma is a rare tumor of the airway. They arise from the lower respiratory tract tissue of the bronchi, trachea, and lung. Symptomatology is based on the degree of endoluminal bronchial obstruction, and surgical resection is generally the mainstay of treatment. We present the case of a 33-year-old male who suffered from chronic cough and breathlessness for two years caused by large endobronchial leiomyoma diagnosed by preoperative biopsy. The tumor was surgically resected through bronchotomy and complete preservation of the lung parenchyma. We stress the importance of a definitive preoperative diagnosis of this rare tumor to employ lung preserving surgical techniques.