Endoscopic treatment of endobronchial metastases from adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

Introduction. - Endobronchial metastases are, by definition, bronchoscopically visible non-pulmonary tumours with lesions histologically identical to previously demonstrated primary tumours. They are very rarely due to uterine cervical cancer. Case report. - We present the extraordinary case of a woman with endobronchial metastases from an adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. An interventional bronchoscopy was performed combining, in one session, a mechanical resection, a HF electrocautery and insertion of a stent in the left main stem bronchus. Pathological analysis of this tumour confirmed the diagnosis and found papilloma virus infection. Chemotherapy and confocal radiotherapy was given leading to complete tumour regression and therefore subsequent removal of the stent. Three years after treatment the airways remain normal and the patient free of symptoms. Conclusion. - Endobronchial metastases are a manifestation of advanced stage disease. Endoscopic treatment by interventional bronchoscopy with symptomatic intent may improve the quality of life and possibly the survival of these patients. (C) 2010 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.