Dodos K, Kalamara TV, Georgakopoulou VE. Endobronchial chondroma presenting as recurrent pneumonia - diagnostic role of bronchoscopy and surgical management: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2026; 14(18): 120279 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.120279]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou, MD, PhD, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Toma Street, Athens 11527, Greece. vaso_georgakopoulou@hotmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Respiratory System
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case-report
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Dodos K, Kalamara TV, Georgakopoulou VE. Endobronchial chondroma presenting as recurrent pneumonia - diagnostic role of bronchoscopy and surgical management: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2026; 14(18): 120279 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.120279]
Konstantinos Dodos, Tsampika-Vasileia Kalamara, Laboratory of Physiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
Co-first authors: Konstantinos Dodos and Tsampika-Vasileia Kalamara.
Author contributions: Kalamara TV and Dodos K conceived and designed the study and they contribute equally to this study as co-first authors; Kalamara TV performed the literature review and data collection and drafted the manuscript; Dodos K contributed to data interpretation and critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content; Georgakopoulou VE supervised the study, provided methodological oversight, and critically revised the manuscript; and all authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
AI contribution statement: The main scientific content was developed by the authors. AI tools were used only to assist with language refinement and editorial improvement under author supervision. ChatGPT was used for language editing, clarity improvement, and writing assistance. Grammarly and DeepL may also have been used for language polishing or translation, where applicable. AI tools did not participate in study design, methodology, data interpretation, or scientific conclusions. No manuscript images were generated by AI.
Informed consent statement: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Corresponding author: Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou, MD, PhD, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Toma Street, Athens 11527, Greece. vaso_georgakopoulou@hotmail.com
Received: February 24, 2026 Revised: April 15, 2026 Accepted: May 15, 2026 Published online: June 26, 2026 Processing time: 113 Days and 14.3 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Endobronchial chondroma is an exceptionally rare benign tumor of the tracheobronchial tree. Although histologically benign, its intraluminal growth may cause airway obstruction and lead to recurrent or non-resolving pulmonary infections. Due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and radiologic features, delayed diagnosis is common.
CASE SUMMARY
A 42-year-old male smoker presented with fever, productive cough, and generalized weakness. He had experienced two similar episodes of left upper lobe pneumonia within the previous 6 months, each resolving with antibiotic therapy. Chest computed tomography revealed an endobronchial mass located between the left main bronchus and the left upper lobar bronchus, associated with consolidation and a small pleural effusion. Flexible bronchoscopy identified a 7-mm polypoid lesion, and histopathological examination of biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis of endobronchial chondroma. Following resolution of pneumonia, the patient underwent left upper segmentectomy with bronchoplasty as definitive treatment. The postoperative course was uneventful.
CONCLUSION
Endobronchial chondroma, although rare, should be considered in patients presenting with recurrent pneumonia involving the same pulmonary lobe. Prompt bronchoscopic evaluation and histopathological confirmation are essential for accurate diagnosis. Early and complete excision is essential to prevent persistent airway obstruction and irreversible pulmonary damage. In the present case, definitive management was achieved with left upper segmentectomy combined with bronchoplasty.
Core Tip: Endobronchial chondroma is an exceptionally rare benign airway tumor that may present with recurrent pneumonia due to bronchial obstruction. Because clinical and radiologic findings can mimic common respiratory conditions, delayed diagnosis is frequent. This case highlights the importance of considering endobronchial tumors in patients with recurrent pneumonia affecting the same lobe and emphasizes the role of bronchoscopy and histopathological examination in establishing a definitive diagnosis. Early recognition and complete excision are crucial to prevent irreversible pulmonary damage.
