Primary endobronchial paraganglioma with lymph node metastasis: a case report. Issue 3 (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Xiao-jun; Wu, Chengxiang; Chen, Xi-yuan
• Is Part Of: Journal of international medical research. Volume 49:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Paraganglioma -- lung -- thoracic surgery -- transbronchial biopsy -- immunohistochemistry -- case report; Medicine -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/03000605211003014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-0605

Abstract

A paraganglioma is an extra-adrenal tumor of the paraganglia often found in association with sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. A primary pulmonary paraganglioma generally presents as multiple small tumors or a solitary mass; however, endobronchial involvement is extremely rare. A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of a chronic cough, intermittent dyspnea, and chest pain. Chest computed tomography revealed a rounded, high-density lesion in the left lower lung lobe. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated an endobronchial mass characterized by smooth, hypervascularized mucosa. Transbronchial biopsy of the mass and immunohistochemistry results suggested a paraganglioma. The patient fully recovered after lobectomy and lymphadenectomy. Pulmonary paragangliomas are rarely reported. Complete surgical resection is considered the treatment of choice for pulmonary paragangliomas, and the long-term prognosis is generally good. However, life-long follow-up is mandatory because of the possibility of recurrence and metastasis. This case report adds valuable knowledge to the literature on pulmonary paragangliomas.