Bronchial Adenoma Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment | Diseases List A-Z

Bronchial Adenoma

A bronchial adenoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the mucous glands, airways of the lungs (bronchi) or throat (trachea), and in the salivary glands.

Although the word “adenoma” refers to a non-cancerous tumor, most cases of bronchial adenomas that develop are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Bronchial Adenoma

In the early stages, symptoms of bronchial adenoma are generally not visible. The symptoms themselves are divided based on their type, and usually only appear when the condition has entered a severe intensity.

The following are symptoms that appear in people with bronchial adenoma based on the type:

1. Tumor karsinoid

This tumor affects nerve cells and cells that are responsible for producing hormones in the body. Carcinoid tumor conditions can form in the lungs, stomach, or intestines, with symptoms such as:

• Normal cough to coughing up blood.
• Wheezing or noisy breathing.
• Hard to breathe.
• Chest pain.
• Redness of the face.
• Lung infections, such as pneumonia.

2. Adenoid cystic carcinoma tumor

Although they begin in the salivary glands in the mouth and throat, these tumors can affect the trachea, tear glands, sweat glands, uterus, vulva, or female breasts.

People with adenoid cystic carcinoma tumors can experience symptoms such as:

• Lumps on the roof of the mouth, under the tongue, or under the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Hoarse voice.
• Numbness in the jaw, palate, face, or tongue.
• A lump appears under the jaw or in front of the ear.

3. Tumor karsinoma mukoepidermoid

These tumors arise in the salivary glands and commonly affect the parotid glands in front of the ear.

People with mucoepidermoid carcinoma tumors will experience a number of symptoms, such as:

• Swelling of the glands near the ear, under the jaw, or mouth.
• Numbness or pain that appears on the face.

Risk Factors for Bronchial Adenoma

There are several triggering factors that increase the risk of developing bronchial adenoma in a person, including:

• Genetic factors. Genetics plays a significant role in the formation of some types of bronchial adenoma. The risk of developing carcinoid adenoma is higher in people with congenital diseases, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1).
• Radiation exposure. People who have undergone radiation procedures on the head and neck are at high risk of developing bronchial adenoma. Especially the type of mucoepidermoid carcinoma adenoma.

Causes of Bronchial Adenoma

To date, no one knows for sure what causes bronchial adenoma. However, experts suspect that genetics may play a role in some forms of this cancer.

A bronchial adenoma is an uncommon benign tumor that begins in the mucous glands and airways of the lungs (bronchi).

This cancer grows slowly and can be cured if detected.

On the other hand, cancer can also easily spread to other parts of the body, such as adjacent cells and tissues.

There are three types of bronchial adenomas, among them:

• Adenoid cystic carcinoma. This type of cancer begins in the salivary glands in the mouth. However, adenoid cystic carcinoma can affect sweat glands, the trachea (windpipe), and a woman’s breasts.
• Carcinoid tumors. These tumors can damage the function of nerve cells and cells that produce hormones. They usually develop in the abdomen and lungs.
• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma. This type of bronchial adenoma develops in the salivary glands. However, the parotid glands near the ear are also usually affected.

Diagnosis of Bronchial Adenoma

The doctor will carry out the examination process based on the results of the interview and complaints experienced by the sufferer.

Then, the doctor continues the diagnostic process by conducting a physical examination and other supporting tests.

Here are some supporting examinations that you need to do:

• Chest X-ray, which is done using electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the required body parts.
• Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan), which is done to find out how big the tumor is, where it appears, and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which is performed when the results of a CT scan do not show definitive results.

When it has been detected but is not yet sure about the results, doctors often perform a number of other supporting examinations.

Here are some types of examinations that are carried out:

• Nuclear scan, which is done to detect carcinoid tumors and where they have spread.
• Bronchoscopy, which is done to visualize the inside of the throat and large airways in the lungs for abnormal growths.
• Transbronchoscopy fine needle aspiration, which is performed when lesions are not easily accessible and are located in the walls of the respiratory tract. This examination is generally performed on lesions measuring less than 2 centimeters.
• Fine needle aspiration in conjunction with a CT scan, which is done by passing a needle through the chest wall, between the ribs, and placing it in the nodule. A biopsy specimen is taken to determine whether the nodule is benign and not cancerous, or malignant.

Bronchial Adenoma Treatment

Treatment for bronchial adenoma will depend on the type and severity of the disease, the patient’s age, overall health condition, and individual preferences.

Here are some treatment options that are carried out:

1. Operation

The first step of the surgical procedure is to remove the cancer and the affected tissue and lymph nodes to prevent it from spreading.

Just like any other surgery, this procedure can cause side effects such as:

• Difficulty urinating.
• Wounds or infections in the incision area.
• Nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia.
• Pain in the incision area.
• Blood clotting occurs.

2. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy will be performed by doctors using high-powered electromagnetic waves to kill abnormal cells.

Although it can reduce symptoms and shrink the shape of the tumor, there are several side effects that can occur, including:

• Weak.
• Reddish skin.
• Sore throat.
• Coughing.
• Gasping for breath.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a procedure that uses oral medication or intravenous injections to kill abnormal cells.

Chemotherapy is usually performed when the abnormal cells have metastasized to other areas of the body.

Here are some side effects that may be experienced:

• Weak.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hair loss.
• Decreased appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Susceptible to infection.

4. Immunotherapy

In addition to the above treatment options, immunotherapy is another treatment that you can do to improve the functioning of the immune system, especially to destroy abnormal cells.

In addition to destroying them, immunotherapy can prevent abnormal cells from metastasizing to surrounding areas.

After completing a series of treatments, sufferers must still undergo regular check-ups.

The goal is that new symptoms and problems that arise can be treated immediately and properly.

Routine check-ups also aim to prevent the spread or appearance of abnormal cells in other areas.

5. Targeted therapy

This treatment can be done by looking for proteins or genes that are unique to cancer. Then the therapy will target these substances to stop the spread of cancer.

Complications of Bronchial Adenoma

Bronchial adenoma that is not treated properly can spread to the surrounding tissue.

If that happens, losing one’s life is the most serious complication that could occur.

Here are some other complications, if the symptoms that appear are not treated immediately:

• Bleeding.
• Leakage in the respiratory tract.
• Blood clotting disorders.
• Reduced oxygen supply to the heart organ.
• Atelectasis, which occurs when the lungs are unable to expand fully.
• Pneumonia, which occurs due to inflammation of the lungs.
• Respiratory failure, which can lead to death.

Prevention of Bronchial Adenoma

The bronchus is a branch of the trachea that is located after the throat and before the lungs.

The bronchi are part of the airways that are responsible for ensuring air enters the alveoli.

If it is passed down through genetic history, there are no specific prevention methods.

However, regular medical check-ups can help detect this disease early so that therapy can be received immediately.

While undergoing routine health checks, here are some healthy lifestyle habits that you can adopt to maintain the health of your lungs:

• Quit smoking.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid air pollution.
• Keeping the air clean in the house.
• Exercise regularly.