Endobronchial Lipoma: A Rare Cause of Bronchial Obstruction- Case Report

Abstract: Endobronchial lipoma is a rare benign tumor of the tracheobronchial tree, representing a very small fraction of pulmonary neoplasms. Despite its benign histological nature, it may lead to significant bronchial obstruction and irreversible pulmonary damage if diagnosis is delayed. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific and frequently mimic common respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or malignancy, resulting in delayed recognition. Computed tomography (CT) plays a key role in suggesting the diagnosis by demonstrating a characteristic fat-density endobronchial lesion, while bronchoscopy allows direct visualization, histological confirmation, and therapeutic intervention. The current management paradigm favors minimally invasive bronchoscopic techniques over surgical resection. We report a case of A 62-year-old chronic smoker presented with worsening dyspnea and chest pain; chest CT revealed a well-defined fat-density obstructive lesion in the left main bronchus causing ipsilateral atelectasis and post-obstructive changes. Bronchoscopy identified a smooth yellow endobronchial mass located 2 cm from the carina, which was completely resected endoscopically. Histopathological examination confirmed a benign proliferation of mature adipocytes without atypia, consistent with an endobronchial lipoma. Then we review the imaging features, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic strategies of endobronchial lipoma, with emphasis on CT, endoscopy, and differential diagnosis.