Bronchial adenoma

Alternative names:

adenocarcinoma of the bronchus; bronchial carcinoid tumors; bronchial gland tumors

Definition:

A bronchial adenoma is a tumor in the trachea or large bronchi (the large airways of the lung) that usually causes obstruction of the airway.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

These tumors grow slowly and metastasize (spread) infrequently. The cause is unknown. The tumors occur in both men and women between 15 to 60 years of age. There is a tendency of this type of tumor to cause bleeding. The incidence is 2 in 10,000 people.