Bronchial carcinoid tumor

Case contributed by Imran Ahmad Khan
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Long standing breathlessness and wheezing.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

A circumscribed density is seen projected over the right main bronchus on the frontal view. The margins of the mass are clearly seen indicating that it is in contact with air and is likely to be endobronchial (silhouette sign). 

ct

An ovoid well-circumscribed polypoidal endobronchial mass is seen within the right main bronchus, bulging slightly into the right upper lobe bronchus. No internal calcification, fat density, or necrosis is seen. It shows mild homogeneous enhancement on post contrast scans. There is no associated atelectasis or collapse of the right lung.

Case Discussion

A young male presented with a long history of breathlessness and wheezing with occasional bouts of non-productive cough. Several previous radiographs failed to detect any abnormality and the patient was being treated for bronchial asthma! 

The latest radiograph depicted a circumscribed mass projected over the right main bronchus and a CT scan was requested. 

CT scan demonstrated the endobronchial mass very nicely. A diagnosis of endobronchial carcinoid tumor was made based on CT images.

The patient underwent successful resection of the tumor.

Histopathology showed a low grade typical carcinoid tumor. 

The patient is currently symptom free.

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