Treatment of Tracheobronchial Granular Cell Myoblastomas with Endoscopic Bipolar Cautery

Abstract

Granular cell myoblastomas of the trachea and right upper lobe bronchus were discovered incidentally during therapeutic bronchoscopy. Because of their propensity to cause airway compromise and distal atelectasis, ablation of both lesions was undertaken. This is the first reported case of bipolar cautery of GCM through a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. Small tumor size and lack of atelectasis permitted utilization of this technique. Long-term follow-up is necessary to compare this therapy with other nonresectional therapies.