Case Reports

Necrosis of Bronchus in Lung Cancer

Antunes, Ana MD; Gomes, Joana MD; Neves, Sofia MD; Oliveira, Ana MD; Almeida, José MD; e Sá, João Moura MD

Department of Pulmonology, Respiratory Endoscopy Unit, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, EPE, Portugal

Disclosure: There is no conflict of interest or other disclosures.

Reprints: Ana Antunes, MD, Serviço de Pneumologia, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Unidade 1, Rua Conceição Fernandes s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia (e-mail: [email protected]).

Received May 19, 2011

Accepted July 26, 2011

Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology 18(4):p 348-351, October 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/LBR.0b013e318235d805

Abstract

Bronchial necrosis with wall destruction and direct visualization into the cavity is seldom described in the context of lung cancer, except after radiation therapy. We describe 5 cases of cavitating lung cancer with direct communication with the airways, large enough to allow the passage of a flexible bronchoscope. We encountered all of these cases between May 2009 and January 2010. None of the patients had received radiation previously. During bronchoscopy, necrosis of the bronchus was evident with replacement of the involved lung by a large cavity lined by tumor tissue.