Endobronchial lipoma: a series of three cases and the role of electrocautery.

Lipomas are rare endobronchial tumors that may cause severe parenchymal damage due to bronchus obstruction and subsequent pneumonia. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and radical treatment are essential. We describe three cases of endobronchial lipoma. One patient presented with hemoptysis, two patients were initially diagnosed as COPD. They were all treated by electrocautery which achieved complete removal. We recommend electrocautery as an easy and cost-effective alternative for removal of intraluminal tumors including lipoma. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel