72-Year-Old Patient Finds Relief from Pulmonary Hamartoma Through Minimally Invasive Bronchoscopic Intervention
Note: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Patient confidentiality has been strictly maintained through anonymization and data modification to protect privacy.
Overview: A Successful Case of Bronchoscopic Treatment for Benign Lung Tumor
A 72-year-old male patient presented with a long history of chronic cough, sputum production, and exertional dyspnea. After thorough clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging, he was diagnosed with a localized pulmonary hamartoma—a rare benign lung tumor arising from abnormal development of bronchial tissue. Instead of opting for traditional open surgery, the medical team performed a minimally invasive fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided intervention. Following the procedure, the patient experienced significant improvement in respiratory symptoms. A follow-up CT scan three months post-operation revealed no signs of recurrence, and both the patient and his family expressed high satisfaction with the outcome.
Patient Profile & Clinical Background
Age & Gender: 72-year-old maleDiagnosis: Localized pulmonary hamartomaHospital: The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityDate of Admission: February 2021Treatment Approach: Bronchoscopic interventional therapy under local anesthesiaHospital Stay: 5 days, followed by scheduled outpatient follow-upsOutcome: Marked symptom relief; no tumor recurrence detected at 3-month follow-up
Initial Consultation: Uncovering an Underlying Cause Behind Chronic Symptoms
The patient arrived at our clinic accompanied by family members, reporting a persistent cough and phlegm production that had lasted for approximately four years. His condition worsened with physical activity, leading to shortness of breath after mild exertion. Over the years, he had been repeatedly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis at local clinics, receiving symptomatic treatments including anti-inflammatory medications. While these provided temporary relief, they failed to resolve the underlying issue.
About two weeks prior to his visit, the patient developed an acute exacerbation of cough and increased sputum production following exposure to cold air. Self-administered antibiotics yielded minimal improvement. On physical examination, coarse breath sounds were noted bilaterally, with dry wheezes audible over the right lung field—indicative of possible airway obstruction or structural abnormality. Given the persistence and progression of symptoms, we recommended hospital admission for comprehensive diagnostic workup, which the patient and his family agreed to pursue.
Diagnostic Workup and Therapeutic Decision-Making
Upon admission, a high-resolution chest CT scan revealed a soft-tissue mass along the wall of the right main bronchus, accompanied by multiple nodules in the right lung. The left lung showed only minor abnormalities. These findings raised concerns about a potential neoplastic process, prompting further investigation via fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
During bronchoscopy, a well-defined but irregular lesion was observed at the bifurcation of the right main and right lower lobar bronchi. Biopsy samples indicated chronic mucosal inflammation with epithelial hyperplasia, but no evidence of malignancy. However, given the size and location of the mass causing airflow limitation, intervention was deemed necessary.
Choosing a Minimally Invasive Path
Considering the patient's advanced age and comorbidities, the family expressed strong reluctance toward major thoracic surgery. After detailed discussions involving risks, benefits, and alternatives, we decided on a targeted bronchoscopic intervention under local anesthesia. This approach offered a safer profile with faster recovery, reduced complications, and preserved lung function—all critical factors for elderly patients.
The procedure successfully removed the obstructive lesion. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis: the tumor was covered by ciliated columnar epithelium, displayed a lobulated architecture, and contained mature connective tissue beneath the surface—classic features consistent with a benign pulmonary hamartoma.
Postoperative Recovery and Follow-Up Results
Following the intervention, the patient's breathing improved dramatically. Coughing and dyspnea diminished significantly within days. He remained hospitalized for five days for monitoring and supportive care, during which vital signs stabilized and inflammatory markers normalized. He was discharged with clear instructions for home care and follow-up.
At the three-month follow-up, a repeat CT scan showed complete resolution of the previous mass with no residual lesion, lymph node enlargement, or new nodules. The patient reported feeling stronger and more active than he had in years. Pulmonary function tests indicated modest improvement, supporting the clinical success of the treatment.
Ongoing Care and Lifestyle Recommendations
While the immediate results are encouraging, long-term management remains essential for maintaining respiratory health and preventing complications. Below are key recommendations for this patient—and others in similar situations:
1. Regular Monitoring Is Crucial
We advise monthly check-ups for the first six months post-surgery. Any new or worsening symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing should prompt immediate medical evaluation. If the condition remains stable after half a year, follow-up intervals can be extended to every six to twelve months, depending on individual risk factors.
2. Nutrition Supports Healing and Immunity
A balanced diet rich in lean proteins—including chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and soy products—can help rebuild strength and support immune function. Patients should avoid processed foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Staying well-hydrated also aids mucus clearance and overall lung health.
3. Protect Your Lungs for Life
Even though the tumor was benign, it caused structural changes in the airways. Therefore, lifelong avoidance of smoking and secondhand smoke is non-negotiable. Alcohol consumption should also be limited, as it may impair immune defenses and delay healing. Additionally, patients are encouraged to receive annual flu vaccines and pneumococcal immunizations to reduce infection risks.
Clinical Insights: When Bronchoscopy Offers a Better Alternative
Pulmonary hamartomas are uncommon benign tumors resulting from disorganized growth of normal lung components—such as cartilage, fat, and epithelial cells—during embryonic development. Most cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging. However, when located centrally and large enough to obstruct airflow, they can mimic chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD, delaying accurate diagnosis.
In carefully selected cases, especially among older adults or those unfit for surgery, bronchoscopic intervention presents a viable and effective alternative. It allows direct visualization, precise tissue removal, and rapid histological confirmation—all with minimal trauma. As demonstrated in this case, if preoperative imaging (like CT) shows characteristic benign features—such as smooth margins, absence of calcification, and mild enhancement—endoscopic resection can be safely considered under expert guidance.
This case highlights the importance of re-evaluating persistent "routine" respiratory complaints, particularly in aging populations. What appears to be a common condition like bronchitis might actually conceal a treatable structural anomaly. With advances in interventional pulmonology, even complex airway lesions can now be managed with precision, safety, and excellent outcomes.