Bronchial adenoma can be described as a rare type of cancer that comprises a diverse group of tumours that usually initiate in the mucous glands and ducts of the lung airways (bronchi) or windpipe (trachea), and also in the salivary glands.

While the word "adenoma" in the name of the condition might refer to a noncancerous tumour, most bronchial adenomas are usually malignant and gradually metastasize to other distant tissues and organs of the body. However, in most cases, bronchial adenomas are slow-growing ones and are treatable with early prognosis and treatment.
bronchial adenoma

Also Read: Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Types Of Bronchial Adenoma

Bronchial adenomas can be classified into 3 main types:

Carcinoid Tumours: These cancerous tumours can form in the lungs, stomach or intestines and usually affect the hormone-producing cells and nerve cells. 

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma:  This type of tumour primarily initiates in the salivary glands in the mouth and throat and can affect the trachea, sweat glands, tear glands in the eyes, a woman's uterus, vulva, or breasts.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma:  This type of cancer generally happens in the salivary glands within the mouth and affects the parotid glands in front of the ears.

Other lesser common types of bronchial adenomas include Mucous gland adenomas and other mixed Seromucinous tumours. 

Causes

Similar to other forms of cancer, the exact cause of Bronchial Adenoma is yet unknown. However, several scientific studies indicate that it usually happens when there are certain changes or mutations in the cellular material, i.e. the DNA of the bronchial cells that invariably make the healthy cells grow abnormally without perishing on time and causing them to agglomerate together leading to tumorous growths. These bronchial tumours can often get loose from the original site and spread to different parts of the body.

Also Read: Tracheal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Risk Factors

Some causative factors that increase the risk of Bronchial Adenomas include:

Genetic Syndromes: Individuals diagnosed with Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN) are more at risk of getting Bronchial Adenoma

Family History Of Cancer: People with parents or close relatives suffering from other forms of lung cancer have aggravated chances of getting diagnosed with Bronchial Adenoma as well

Exposure To Chemicals: Getting exposed to certain carcinogenic chemicals, such as dioxin, arsenic, vinyl chloride, and herbicides that contain phenoxy acetic acid upsurges the risk of developing Bronchial Adenoma

Exposure To Radiations: Exposure to radiation or getting radiation therapy during the treatment of other forms of cancer like lung cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, or lymphomas makes a person susceptible to Bronchial Adenoma 

Symptoms

The characteristic manifestations of Bronchial Adenoma usually depend upon the site of the tumour. This includes:

For Carcinoid tumour:

  • Cough, along with bloody sputum
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dyspnoea
    Wheezing
  • Chest pain
  • Flushing of the face
  • Pneumonia

For Adenoid cystic carcinoma:

  • Formation of a lump under the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, or at the bottom of the mouth
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Hoarse and deeper voice
  • Numbness in the face including the jaws, roof of the mouth, or tongue
  • A growing bump under the jaw or in front of the ear

For Mucoepidermoid carcinoma:

  • Swelling and redness in the glands in the mouth, under your lower jaw, or near your ears
  • Pain in your face
  • Numbness or weakness of the facial muscles

Diagnosis And Treatment

On witnessing any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms, do consult a doctor right away to get diagnosed and treated without further delay. The doctor usually does a thorough physical checkup to look for any lumps or masses around the neck, chest cavity, and lower abdominal area, and presses the area slightly to know if it hurts. The doctor also acknowledges the patient's medical history and family history and conducts the following diagnostic tests:

  • Imaging procedures including Bone scan, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, X-ray, and Ultrasound
  • Biopsy

Treatment

The available treatment options for Bronchial Adenomas usually depend upon the site of the tumour, type and stage of the tumour, age of the patient and his or her overall health condition. This includes:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy