Uncommon Primary Tracheal Tumors

Current diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland-type tumors of the lung

Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung are thought to originate from the submucosal exocrine glands of the large airways. Due to their rare occurrence, reports of their study are limited to small-scale or case reports. Therefore, daily clinical practices often require a search for previous reports. In the last 20 years, several genetic rearrangements have been identified, such as MYB::NF1B rearrangements in adenoid cystic carcinoma, CRTC1::MAML2 rearrangements in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, EWSR1::ATF1 rearrangements in hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma and rearrangements of the EWSR1 locus or FUS (TLS) locus in myoepithelioma and myoepithelial carcinoma. These molecular alterations have been useful in diagnosing these tumors, although they have not yet been linked to molecularly targeted therapies. The morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics of these tumors are similar to those of their counterparts of extrapulmonary origin, so clinical and radiologic differential diagnosis is required to distinguish between primary and metastatic disease of other primary sites. However, these molecular alterations can be useful in differentiating them from other primary lung cancer histologic types. The management of these tumors requires broad knowledge of the latest diagnostics, surgery, radiotherapy, bronchoscopic interventions, chemotherapy, immunotherapy as well as therapeutic agents in development, including molecularly targeted agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary salivary gland tumors, with a focus on adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which are the two most common subtypes.

Tracheal hamartoma masquerading as asthma

We present a rare case of a female non-smoker diagnosed with a large benign tracheal chondrohamartoma, masquerading as severe asthma. The patient was in her late 70s and had a history of asthma. She had presented to hospital with multiple episodes of intractable cough, shortness of breath and wheeze in the year prior to diagnosis. She had been managed for asthma for two decades by different physicians in primary care, based on documented airflow obstruction. Given her repeated admissions, the respiratory team was consulted. In view of the persistent cough despite maximal treatment, she was referred for a thoracic high-resolution CT scan which revealed a large intraluminal tracheal polypoid mass. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed and this confirmed the presence of a large pedunculated mass in the distal trachea. The patient subsequently underwent removal of the mass by means of rigid bronchoscopy, laser and electrocautery followed by argon ablation of residual tissue. She made an excellent recovery with full resolution of her respiratory symptoms and normalisation of her pulmonary function tests.

Malignant and Benign Tracheobronchial Neoplasms: Comprehensive Review with Radiologic, Bronchoscopic, and Pathologic Correlation

Tracheobronchial neoplasms are much less common than lung parenchymal neoplasms but can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They include a broad differential of both malignant and benign entities, extending far beyond more commonly known pathologic conditions such as squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumor. Airway lesions may be incidental findings at imaging or manifest with symptoms related to airway narrowing or mucosal irritation, invasion of adjacent structures, or distant metastatic disease. While there is considerable overlap in clinical manifestation, imaging features, and bronchoscopic appearances, an awareness of potential distinguishing factors may help narrow the differential diagnosis. The authors review the epidemiology, imaging characteristics, typical anatomic distributions, bronchoscopic appearances, and histopathologic findings of a wide range of neoplastic entities involving the tracheobronchial tree. Malignant neoplasms discussed include squamous cell carcinoma, malignant salivary gland tumors (adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma), carcinoid tumor, sarcomas, primary tracheobronchial lymphoma, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Benign neoplasms discussed include hamartoma, chondroma, lipoma, papilloma, amyloidoma, leiomyoma, neurogenic lesions, and benign salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma and mucous gland adenoma). Familiarity with the range of potential entities and any distinguishing features should prove valuable to thoracic radiologists, pulmonologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons when encountering the myriad of tracheobronchial neoplasms in clinical practice. Attention is paid to any features that may help render a more specific diagnosis before pathologic confirmation. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) of the Trachea Excised by Transtracheal Surgery: Case Report

This report describes an extremely rare case of a primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the trachea. The patient underwent surgical resection by a transtracheal approach and reconstruction with esophageal tracheoplasty. This case report highlights the rarity of such tumors and a minimally invasive and safe surgical technique for tumors around the central neck structures.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Although pleomorphic adenoma is the most common type of parotid gland tumor, its occurrence in the trachea is rare. Here, we describe a successfully resected pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea in a woman with severe respiratory failure that had been preoperatively misdiagnosed as asthma.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 69-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with symptoms of worsening dyspnea and subsequent loss of consciousness. She had a history of progressively worsening wheezing and stridor over the course of 2-years and had been diagnosed with asthma. Arterial blood gas sample analysis indicated type II respiratory failure. A chest computed tomographic scan revealed a tumor in the trachea, which was almost completely obstructing the lower tracheal lumen. The tumor was located just above the carina. To alleviate airway constriction and achieve complete resection, carinal resection with reconstruction was performed. The postoperative diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Pleomorphic adenoma is a rare tracheal tumor that may present with obstructive airway symptoms that mimic asthma.

CONCLUSION

Tracheal tumors should be considered in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms that do not improve with medication.

Management of an Acute Airway Obstruction Due to Tracheal Carcinoma in a Patient With Severe Glottic Stenosis

In this paper, we present the case of acute airway obstruction due to tracheal carcinoma in a patient with glottic stenosis due to previously treated laryngeal carcinoma. Because of severe dyspnea from the obstructive endotracheal mass, tracheotomy under local anesthesia was immediately performed. Intubation with pediatric size (I.D. 4.5 mm) cuffed endotracheal tube was performed by the surgeon through tracheostomy under endoscopic visualization. Blakesley forceps and electrocautery were used for tumor debulking. Postoperatively there were no complications and the patient was discharged after four days. The histopathology report showed a squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor board decided on adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of the patient.

Tracheal Hamartoma: A Case Report

Hamartoma is the most frequently observed benign lung tumor, but its tracheal form is still exceptionally encountered. Cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and chest pain are all possible symptoms of tracheal hamartoma. The non-specific symptoms may also lead to a delayed diagnosis, and while the choice of treatment varies depending on the size and location of the lesion, conservative treatments remain strongly recommended. This report presents the case of a 57-year-old male who presented to our department with inspiratory dyspnea. Clinico-radiological data and bronchoscopy revealed a benign tracheal tumor of the lipomatous hamartoma type. The patient underwent a tumor resection by rigid bronchoscopy with satisfactory clinical results.

A Common Cell of Origin for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor and Lung Adenocarcinoma with ALK rearrangement

This case signifies the importance of obtaining tumor comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) as it has utility in cancer type classification and helping in diagnosing recurrence/metastasis or separately occurring primary tumors. CGP can also help guiding treatment as in this case separately occurring Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor had ALK fusion and responded to crizotinib. As treatment progresses, new biopsies should be obtained and CGP used to evaluate for appearance of any new genomic alterations, in order to guide further therapy.

Tracheal Glomus Tumor Complicated with Asthma Exacerbation in a Pregnant Woman

A 34-year-old pregnant woman in the 34th week of gestation with uncontrolled asthma was admitted because of asthma exacerbation. Although she received bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids, respiratory failure rapidly progressed. Chest computed tomography revealed a mass occluding approximately 80% of the tracheal lumen. After urgent Caesarean section, endobronchial resection was performed. The pathological findings of the resected tumor were compatible with tracheal glomus tumor. Tracheal tumors are often misdiagnosed as asthma, but its complication with asthma is rare. Even if the diagnosis of asthma is definitive, clinicians should consider coexisting diseases, including tracheal tumors, when asthma control is poor.

Angiomyomatous hamartoma of subglottic tracheal wall in a 12-year-old adolescent: a case report

Background

Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease encountered in a primary care setting. Diagnosis is often made clinically based on response to empiric therapy. However, with long-term treatment failure and/or atypical disease presentation, a differential diagnosis should be considered. The following is a report of an unusual and rare presentation of a subglottic tracheal angiomyomatous hamartoma in an adolescent, treated for many years as allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma.

Case presentation

A 12-year-old Caucasian was referred to the allergy clinic with a lifetime history of bronchospasms and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, treated for many years for asthma and environmental allergies. Cough, posterior nasal drainage, self-described “choking on phlegm,” and a sensation of “a flap in the throat,”, worsened 5 months prior to the initial evaluation. Puncture skin testing for common environmental allergens was negative. Spirometry, performed due to history of chronic cough, showed blunting of the forced expiratory phase. A chest X-ray, immediately ordered to rule out possible extrapulmonary obstruction, showed bilateral bibasilar infiltrates. A noncontrast computerized tomographic scan of the chest, ordered to further elucidate X-ray findings, revealed a subglottic tracheal mass. Following a subsequent transfer and admission to a tertiary hospital center, microlaryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and microsuspension laryngoscopy were performed to remove the tracheal mass. Pathology confirmed squamous mucosa with polypoid angiomyomatous changes and chronic inflammatory features consistent with angiomyomatous hamartoma. Surgical intervention was successful, and follow-up 1 year postoperatively revealed a healthy, asymptomatic adolescent child with normal lung function.

Conclusions

Although posterior nasal drainage and cough are typical presenting symptoms in the general patient population, they may be clinically impactful as they could disguise more serious medical conditions. A detailed history and careful physical examination may provide a high index of suspicion of disease, and can help work the differential diagnosis. This case presentation is the first documentation of subglottic hamartoma reported in the pediatric literature with clinical manifestation of environmental allergy and asthma symptoms.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13256-021-03218-1.

Tracheal polypoid combined small cell lung cancer (C-SCLC): A case report

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis that accounts for 10% of all cases of clinical lung cancer. Due to its high growth fraction and rapid doubling time it is usually diagnosed as extensive local or metastatic disease in 60%–70% of cases. Combined small cell lung cancer (C‐SCLC) is a relatively rare subtype of SCLC and is defined as SCLC combined with any elements of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical presentation of SCLC as an isolated pedunculated endotracheal lesion is an especially rare occurrence. Here, we report for the first time the occurrence of a C‐SCLC as a polypoid tumor of the trachea diagnosed in an 80‐year‐old woman admitted to the emergency department with a principal complaint of cough and wheezing.

Radiation treatment for adult rare cancers: Oldest and newest indication

AIM

Aim of this analysis is to review the role of RT in the management of several rare tumors for adult patients.

METHODS

Collection data regarding RT and rare tumors was made by Pubmed.

RESULTS

For mucosal melanomas, RT is prescribed, being associated with lower local recurrence rate. For trachea tumors, RT was used as adjuvant or salvage treatment for unresectable disease. For pNET, RT can be a suitable option for post-surgical or unresectable/borderline. For bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors the role of adjuvant treatments is uncertain. For hepatobiliary and ovarian malignancy, stereotactic body RT (SBRT) is a promising approach. For soft tissue sarcoma, perioperative treatments are indicated, and a growing role of SBRT in oligometastatic disease is recognized. For endocrine tumors, adjuvant RT has demonstrated benefits through reducing recurrence risk.

CONCLUSION

The radiotherapy is a frequent indication in adult rare cancers; thus the role of Radiation Oncologist must not be neglected.

Primary tracheal microcystic reticular schwannoma - Case report of a rare neurogenic tumor treated by segmental tracheal resection

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Knowledge about tracheal tumors is important to avoid misdiagnosis.

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Awareness of the option of tracheal resection is necessary to avoid suboptimal treatment recommendations.

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Microcystic reticular schwannoma is a rare variant of a neurogenic tumor and may occur in the trachea.

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Complete resection should be considered even without clear preoperative tumor histology.

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Tracheal segmental resection is a safe procedure and treatment of choice for resectable, intra-/transmural tumors causing tracheal obstruction.

Introduction and importance

Diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases are challenging because experience and evidence are limited. Primary tracheal tumors have a low prevalence but awareness of these is important to avoid misdiagnoses. We present a first case of a tracheal microcystic reticular schwannoma in which diagnosis and treatment recommendations were revised several times resulting in months of anxious uncertainty for the patient before complete resection and extensive histopathologic examination were performed.

Case presentation

A 65-year old woman complained about coughing and cervical pain. Tomographies revealed a tumor of the dorsolateral trachea. After repeated biopsies pathologists and tumorboards in different hospitals could not agree on diagnosis or treatment recommendation, so the impatient patient opted for a complete resection for definite treatment.

Clinical discussion

Neoplasms of the posterior mediastinum are mainly neurogenic. In rare cases they may originate in the trachea and can be difficult to differentiate from other tumor entities if only biopsies are available. Although the preoperative diagnosis was unclear, tracheal resection was performed successfully. The differential diagnoses of soft tissue sarcoma or myoepithelioma were discarded and a benign, microcystic, reticular schwannoma was confirmed by international reference pathologists.

Conclusion

Microcystic, reticular schwannoma is a rare variant and may occur in the trachea. Diagnosis of such rare neoplasms can be difficult, resulting in delayed or suboptimal treatment. Often biopsies are not sufficient to reach a definite diagnosis. But even without preoperative histology, tracheal resection is a safe and feasible option for definitive treatment with very low recurrence rates.

Interventional Therapies for Central Airways

Central airway obstruction (CAO) is a dangerous and increasingly common problem. CAO refers to lesions causing narrowing of the trachea or mainstem bronchi and is generally divided into malignant and nonmalignant categories. These 2 entities may be caused by a variety of thoracic and extrathoracic diseases. Imaging is critical during the initial assessment of CAO and may help thoracic physicians focus the differential diagnosis and plan the safest and most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, direct visualization via flexible or rigid bronchoscopy is often necessary for diagnostic and treatment purposes. A large number of procedures can be performed through bronchoscopy, with the goal of relieving the obstruction and improving patency of the airway. Deciding which procedure to perform is based both upon the type of lesion and whether the lesion is due to a malignant or nonmalignant process. Possible interventions include mechanical debridement, laser therapy, argon plasma coagulation, electrocautery, brachytherapy, and stent placement. Immediate postoperative and follow-up imaging is crucial to monitor for immediate, subacute, and chronic complications as well as disease progression and recurrence.

Difficult to treat asthma - The importance of thoracic imaging

Asthma is a chronic disease with clinical variations throughout its course. Periods of symptom aggravation can occur with the need to escalate therapy. Nevertheless, further investigation should be considered when atypical manifestations appear or when worsening of symptoms occurs. Proximal tracheal/bronchial obstruction can mimic symptoms observed in patients with asthma. Primary benign tracheal tumors are rare, but can constitute the cause for such symptoms. We present a case report of a patient with asthma and a tracheal lesion.

Tracheal Inflammatory Myofibroblastoma: A Rare Tumor of the Trachea

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs), also known as inflammatory pseudotumor are rarely reported in the trachea. Although initially considered benign, with the recent evidence of local recurrence after surgical resection, cases of metastatic spread, and advance in cytogenetic analysis, they are now categorized as tumors with malignant potential. Correct histological diagnosis is of utmost importance, as they closely resemble other benign and malignant spindle cell tumors with myofibroblasts predominance. Treatment remains challenging taking into account the location involving the airway. Here, we describe a case of tracheal IMF in an apparently healthy young adult presenting with recurrent hemoptysis.

Effects of adjuvant radiation therapy on survival for patients with resected primary tracheal carcinoma: an analysis of the National Cancer Database

Objective(s)

To identify predictors for receiving adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) and investigate the impact of adjuvant RT on survival for patients with resected primary tracheal carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

The National Cancer database was queried for patients with PTC diagnosed from 2004 to 2014 undergoing resection. Patients who died within 30 days of resection were excluded to minimize immortal time bias. Kaplan–Meier methods, Cox regression modeling and propensity score weighted (PSW) log-rank tests were considered to assess the relationship between adjuvant RT and overall survival (OS). Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors associated with receiving adjuvant RT.

Results

A total of 549 patients were identified with 300 patients (55%) receiving adjuvant RT. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common histology with 234 patients (43%). Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) was second most frequent with 180 patients (33%). Adjuvant RT was not associated with OS by multivariable Cox analysis or PSW log-rank test (P values > 0.05). Patients with positive surgical margins (odds ratio (OR) 1.80, confidence interval (CI) 1.06–3.07) were more likely to receive adjuvant RT than those with negative surgical margins. Patients with ACC (OR 6.53, CI 3.57–11.95) were more likely to receive adjuvant RT compared with SCC.

Conclusions

Adjuvant RT was not significantly associated with OS for patients with resected PTC in this analysis. Surgical margin status and tumor histology were associated with receiving adjuvant RT. Further investigations including prospective registry studies capturing radiation technique and treatment volumes are needed to better define which patients with resected PTC may benefit from adjuvant RT.

Successful role of adjuvant radiotherapy in a rare case of tracheal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: a case report

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare benign cancer that can express a more aggressive phenotype related to the genetic mutation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor (ALK). Involvement of trachea is extremely rare and due to the clinical and radiologic nonspecificity, the definitive diagnosis is based on the histologic evaluation of tissue specimens. Total surgical excision is curative and chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been employed in the treatment of unresectable tumors or as adjuvant therapies.

CASE PRESENTATION

The case described here is being reported because of the rare tracheal location and the atypical treatment approach used for an ALK-positive IMT. A 7-week pregnant woman voluntary interrupted pregnancy and underwent total surgical excision that resulted to have close margins. Although ALK-positive expression indicated the use of ALK inhibitors, she refused any type of adjuvant therapy that could affect ovarian function. Thus, 3D conformational external beam radiotherapy was performed with a daily dose of 180 cGy, 5 times per week, up to 45 Gy at the level of trachea. A total of 62 months of follow-up showed and no signs of disease recurrence or late radiation therapy-related toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes an extremely rare case of a tracheal IMT, underlying the key role of radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment able to definitively cure IMT, limiting systemic chemotherapy-related toxicity.

Primary Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Trachea: a Case Report with Brief Review of Literature

Malignant schwannoma, also called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), is a rare and aggressive tumor arising from the nerve sheath. We describe a rare case of endotracheal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor occurring in a middle-aged male who presented with asthma-like symptoms for 6 months with progressively increasing dyspnea. A computed tomogram (CT) scan of the thorax revealed near complete luminal obstruction of the trachea by a mass lesion at the level of the second and third tracheal rings. Microlaryngotracheoscopy revealed a fleshy pedunculated growth arising from the left side of the second and third tracheal rings and obliterating almost the entire tracheal lumen. Intraluminal complete excision of the mass was done. Later, he underwent excision of the 2nd and 3rd rings after the histopathology revealed MPNST. Patient after 28 months of follow-up is free of disease.

Overview of malignant tracheal tumors

Malignant airway tumors present particular challenges for surgeons, namely: to distinguish symptoms from those of the more frequent benign airway diseases; to separate metastatic disease from the uncommon primary tumors; and to consider curative resection in appropriate candidates. Here, we present a critical review of tracheal malignant obstruction, focusing on the evaluation of a patient with malignant airway tumor, patient selection for resection and the predictors of long-term survival. The new development in primary tracheal tumors is an old story, that of making physicians aware that resection rates in epidemiologic studies remain low, mainly because opportunities for resection are missed.

Application of Interventional Bronchoscopic Therapy in Eight Pediatric Patients with Malignant Airway Tumors

Aims and background

Malignant airway tumors in children have rarely been reported. We evaluated the safety and therapeutic effects of interventional bronchoscopic therapy in 8 children with malignant airway tumors.

Methods and study design

We retrospectively analyzed 8 children with malignant airway tumors diagnosed by pathology, and evaluated their clinical features, chest computer tomography findings and bronchoscopic manifestations.

Results

Two of the 8 pediatric patients had high-grade malignancies (lymphoma and sarcoma) and the others all had low-grade malignancies, including 2 cases with mucoepidermoid carcinoma and 4 cases with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Their ages ranged from 4 to 8 years (mean, 5.7 ± 0.9). There were no specific clinical manifestations in the children, and all of them presented with various respiratory symptoms, including cough and gasping associated with hemoptysis. Chest CT indicated round intra-airway neoplasms. Obstructive pulmonary atelectasis occurred in the main bronchus of 4 patients (3 cases of the left main bronchus and 1 case of the right intermedius bronchus). All children (1 case with local anesthesia and 7 cases with general anesthesia) underwent interventional bronchoscopic therapy, including argon plasma coagulation and CO2 cryosurgery. The success rate for the rigid procedures was 100.0% (7/7), and the cure rate after 3 months was 85.7% (6/7). A part of the tumor remained in the lung of 1 patient with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor after bronchoscopic treatment. One patient with local anesthesia died of suffocation caused by tumor consolidation during the bronchoscopic procedure. There were no recurrences in 6 patients during the follow-up period. One recurred patient was cured at 6 months.

Conclusions

There are no specific manifestations in children with malignant airway tumors. Interventional bronchoscopic therapy seems to be safe and effective for those tumors under general anesthesia.

Endotracheal hamartoma case report: Two contrasting clinical presentations of a rare entity

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Hamartomas are benign tumors that are rarely localized to the trachea.

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Symptoms often gradual, mimicking those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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Successful management of Endotracheal Hamartomas is feasible using a bronchoscopic approach.

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Etiology of endotracheal hamartomas is unknown.

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Early suspicion in patients with obstructive pulmonary symptoms can prevent easily avoidable fatal complications.

Introduction

The majority of tracheal tumors in adults are malignant. The finding of a benign tumor in the trachea is uncommon and endotracheal hamartomas are rare.

Presentation of case

We report two cases presenting within six months at our institution. The first patient is a 67 year-old man who was found to have an asymptomatic endotracheal hamartoma on chest imaging for aortic valve replacement. The second patient is a 46 year-old man with an extensive continued tobacco use disorder and a known endotracheal lesion identified 8 years prior to intervention. Both patients were treated surgically and recovered without complications.

Discussion

Identification of these lesions and timely management are necessary because without intervention, they can lead to fatal complications. Most symptoms of tracheal hamartoma result from mechanical obstruction with the earliest presenting symptom being dyspnea, but as evident in these two cases, they can have different presentations.

Conclusion

We have found that endotracheal hamartoma has a tendency to present in Caucasian, male patients with a comorbidity of respiratory disease and variable smoking history, but it can also present in asymptomatic patients with no significant smoking history.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mismatch: A Case of Tracheal Hamartoma

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the diagnostic challenge of tracheal hamartoma in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION

A 65-year-old man with COPD was admitted with sudden onset of asphyxia attacks related to the position of his body. Computerized tomography (CT) of the neck showed a soft tissue mass with calcification, which occluded more than two-thirds of the proximal part of the trachea. The tumor was completely removed, and histopathology confirmed hamartoma.

CONCLUSION

This case report showed the detection of a primary tracheal tumor on CT. This finding enabled the correct diagnosis and led to appropriate treatment in the form of surgery.

Treatment of tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma by argon plasma coagulation during pregnancy

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the tracheobronchial tree is a rare airway tumor (<1% of all lung tumors). In adults, the majority of primary tracheal tumors are malignant. Management during pregnancy is complex and requires weighing maternal and fetal prognosis. Reported cases describe surgical resection following cesarean section. We report the first case to be treated by Argon-Plasma Coagulation (APC) in pregnancy. A 35-year-old Caucasian woman G1P0, at 27 weeks of gestation was admitted to the emergency department because of hemoptysis and severe dyspnea. Bronchoscopy and biopsies diagnosed primary tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Following an episode of tracheal bleeding, she was intubated. After thorough explanations to the family and obtaining informed consent, therapeutic bronchoscopy, under general anesthesia using a rigid bronchoscope, was performed. The tumor was cored out with the tip of the bronchoscope and removed with an alligator forceps. The tumor bed was coagulated with APC. The obstetrical team was ready to intervene in case of maternal emergency. Immediate follow-up was good, and she left the hospital 4 days later. She delivered at 39 weeks of gestation by cesarean section because of dystocia. Five years later, the patient is doing well without any signs or symptoms of recurrence. Pediatric follow-up is normal. Argon Plasma Coagulation for treatment of mucoepidermoid tracheal carcinoma is feasible during pregnancy. Reporting this case could lead to less aggressive management of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in pregnant patients.

[Interventional Bronchoscopy for the Treatment of Pulmonary Sarcoma]

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor in soft tissues. Resection is the preferred option to treat this tumor. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of interventional bronchoscopies in the treatment of pulmonary sarcoma if the patient is inoperable.

METHODS

Sixteen cases with pulmonary sarcoma were retrospectively reviewed in our hospital from November 2008 to July 2014. The mean age was (53.1±5.4) years old. Rigid bronchoscopy was applied for the first procedure with general anesthesia, and electronic bronchoscopy was used for the second procedure or slight patients.

RESULTS

Sixteen cases, which include 10 sarcomatoid carcinoma, 2 fibrosarcoma, 2 sarcoma, 1 fibromucoid sarcoma, and 1 spindle cell synovial sarcoma, were collected in this study. Eleven cases (68.8%) were peripheral and mainly located in the right upper lobe and left lower lobe. Five cases (31.2%) were central. Of these cases, 82% (9/11) were mixed and primary tumors in pulmonary tumor. Meanwhile, 56% (9/16) were intraluminal and 69% (11/16) were metastatic in central airway. All of the four cases with whole atelectasis were completely relieved through postbronchoscopic interventions. Three of the seven cases with segment atelectasis were completely reopened; two of them were partially relieved; and the remaining two had no response. The obstructive degree, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and shortness of breathless score improved significantly after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional bronchoscopy could rapidly and efficiently remove endobronchial tumor, relieve airway obstruction, and improve clinical symptoms.

Tracheal cancer - treatment results, prognostic factors and incidence of other neoplasms

Background

Tracheal cancers (TC) are rare and treatment results that are reported are typically not satisfactory. The purpose of this research was assessment of the results of treatment of TC patients, identification of potential additional surgery candidates, evaluation of prognostic factors, and assessment of the occurrence of other malignancies.

Patients and methods

The Regional Cancer Database and the Hospital Database were searched for patients with tracheal neoplasms. Fifty-eight of 418 patients identified initially, met the inclusion criteria (primary TC with confirmed histology and complete treatment records). Standard statistical tests were used.

Results

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 63.8%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; 15.5%) were the most commonly diagnosed histological types of TC. Radiotherapy was delivered in 48 cases, surgery or endoscopic resection in 20, and chemotherapy in 14. TC was diagnosed as a second cancer in 10 patients, in 1 patient it occurred prior to the lung cancer, and in 1 was diagnosed simultaneously. During the median follow-up of 12.7 months, 85.5% of the patients died because of the disease. Local recurrence occurred in 17% cases. In univariate analysis, patients with ACC had statistically better five-year overall survival (77.8%) than those diagnosed with SCC (8.4%, p = 0.0001). Radiotherapy, performance status and haemoptysis were factors significantly influencing overall survival (OS) in the multivariate analysis. Among patients who were not treated surgically, 15–26% were found to constitute additional surgery candidates, depending on the selection criteria.

Conclusions

The diagnostic workup should be focused on the identification of TC patients suitable for invasive treatment and radiotherapy. Respiratory system cancer survivors can be considered a risk group for tracheal cancer. Radiotherapy constitutes an important part of the treatment of patients with TC.

Young man with dyspnoea for 6 months; presenting with subacute tracheal obstruction due to leiomyoma

Tracheal leiomyoma is a rare benign tumour with less than a 100 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of leiomyoma initially presenting and being treated as asthma until it lead to life-threatening tracheal obstruction, requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Spindle cell sarcomatoid carcinoma of the trachea: first case report of surgical resection

BACKGROUND

Primary malignant tracheal tumors are rare, accounting for approximately 0.2 % of respiratory tract tumors yearly, with squamous cell carcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas accounting for two-thirds of these cases. Sarcomatoid carcinomas are a group of poorly differentiated non-small cell lung carcinomas containing a component of sarcoma or sarcoma-like (spindle and/or giant cell) differentiation, categorized into five morphologic subgroups. Spindle cell sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare variant of sarcomatoid carcinomas, consisting of only spindle-shaped tumor cells. Only one other case has been reported as a primary tracheal tumor.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 75-year-old male, having progressive dyspnea and cough, with a spindle cell sarcomatoid carcinoma tumor visualized on chest computed tomography scan and confirmed with biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its low incidence, knowledge of treatment methods, prognostic factors, and etiology is limited thus approaches to eradication have widely varied. We are reporting the second published case of spindle cell sarcomatoid carcinoma of the trachea and the first reported successful outcome of definitive treatment with tracheal resection.

Malignant tracheal tumors: a review of current diagnostic and management strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the current literature for the purpose of developing a practical approach for the diagnosis and management of primary tracheal tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Because of nonspecific symptoms, tracheal tumors remain a diagnostic challenge. Currently available management strategies are not being optimally utilized due to lack of physician awareness and knowledge. The use of newer diagnostic modalities has increased diagnostic accuracy resulting in earlier detection in recent years. This review describes currently available diagnostic modalities along with relatively newer ones such as virtual bronchoscopy, anatomic Optical Coherence Tomography, spectroscopic techniques, and endobronchial ultrasonography. We will review and discuss management strategies including surgical options, adjuvant therapies, and interventional pulmonary techniques including their role in palliation.

SUMMARY

Early detection along with improved surgical and interventional pulmonology techniques has led to a decline in the death rates from tracheal cancer in recent years. However, further studies are required to define the role of chemotherapeutic agents, combination therapies, and novel techniques such as tracheal transplantation, in the management of primary tracheal tumors. More robust evidence-based studies are needed to provide evidence for clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of primary tracheal tumors.

Rigid bronchoscopy and silicone stents in the management of central airway obstruction

The field of interventional pulmonology has grown significantly over the past several decades now including the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of complex airway disease. Rigid bronchoscopy is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and management of several malignant and non-malignant causes of central airway obstruction (CAO) and has become integral after the inception of airway stenting. The management of CAO can be a complicated endeavor with significant risks making the understanding of basic rigid bronchoscopy techniques, ablative technologies, anesthetic care and stenting of utmost importance in the care of these complex patients. This review article will focus on the history of rigid bronchoscopy, the technical aspects of performing a rigid bronchoscopy as well as the use of silicone stents their indications, complications and placement techniques.

Plexiform schwannoma involving the trachea and recurrent laryngeal nerve: a case report

Plexiform schwannoma is an infrequent variant of schwannoma characterized grossly and microscopically by multi-nodular growth. Although plexiform schwannoma has such growth patterns, it is a benign tumor as well as a conventional schwannoma. It rarely infiltrates adjacent organs or arises from the organ itself. In this report, we describe a case in which plexiform schwannoma involved the tracheal wall and left recurrent laryngeal nerve to a great extent. As it was expected to be difficult to achieve complete resection even if the longer tracheal resection were performed, we preserved the trachea and resected as much of the tumor as possible. This report is thought to be the first to describe plexiform schwannoma infiltrating or growing from the trachea. Although the treatment decisions we made might be controversial, we believed we could make an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment decision through surgery.

Primary fibrosarcoma of the trachea presenting with acute airway loss

Primary sarcomas of the trachea are rare occurrences that present with nonspecific symptoms, making timely diagnosis difficult. We report a case of primary fibrosarcoma of the trachea that presented with acute airway loss secondary to tracheal discontinuity due to tumor destruction. This unusual clinical presentation highlights the difficulties posed in the diagnosis and management of tracheal sarcomas. A discussion of the relevant literature is presented.

[Tracheal tumor treated as asthma]

Primary tumors of the trachea are very rare. In adults, the majority of them are malignant. Schwannomas are exceedingly rare benign tumors in the tracheobronchial tree. We report a case of a 37-year-old man who was hospitalized for increasing dyspnea. He had been treated for bronchial asthma for the last 4 years with no benefit. The CT scan of the chest and bronchoscopy identified a tracheal mass that was prolapsed in the left stem bronchus. The patient did not remain free of disease after endoscopic laser resection. So, surgical resection was made. The tumor was excised at its base. A segment of the left stem bronchus was removed and primary anastomosis was performed. The histopathologic diagnosis was of a benign schwannoma without malignant elements. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period. This case demonstrates that intratracheal masses should be considered in patients with dyspnea or in patients with asthma refractory to conventional therapy.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of trachea: a rare case of primary tracheal tumor

A primary tracheal tumor is not common, but adenocarcinoma is particularly rare. We describe a case of primary tracheal mucinous adenocarcinoma misdiagnosed as asthma in a 17-year-old girl. Computed tomography revealed an intraluminal partially obstructing mass in the mid portion of the trachea. A sleeve resection of the involved trachea with primary anastomosis was performed, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. After 23 months of follow-up, there has been no recurrence.

Primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the trachea

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare neoplasms that can involve the airway. Recent studies have shown their malignant behavior with local recurrence and potential metastatic spread; half of the cases are associated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangement. Complete surgical resection is recommended, when feasible. We present a case of a 26-year-old woman admitted to our institution with severe respiratory failure; she was affected with primary IMT of the trachea and underwent complete surgical resection.

Characterization of stem-like cells in mucoepidermoid tracheal paediatric tumor

Stem cells contribute to regeneration of tissues and organs. Cells with stem cell-like properties have been identified in tumors from a variety of origins, but to our knowledge there are yet no reports on tumor-related stem cells in the human upper respiratory tract. In the present study, we show that a tracheal mucoepidermoid tumor biopsy obtained from a 6 year-old patient contained a subpopulation of cells with morphology, clonogenicity and surface markers that overlapped with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). These cells, designated as MEi (mesenchymal stem cell-like mucoepidermoid tumor) cells, could be differentiated towards mesenchymal lineages both with and without induction, and formed spheroids in vitro. The MEi cells shared several multipotent characteristics with BM-MSCs. However, they displayed differences to BM-MSCs in growth kinectics and gene expression profiles relating to cancer pathways and tube development. Despite this, the MEi cells did not possess in vivo tumor-initiating capacity, as proven by the absence of growth in situ after localized injection in immunocompromised mice. Our results provide an initial characterization of benign tracheal cancer-derived niche cells. We believe that this report could be of importance to further understand tracheal cancer initiation and progression as well as therapeutic development.

Glomus tumor of the trachea

Glomus tumors are uncommon soft tissue tumors that usually occur in the hands or feet but rarely have been described to appear in the tracheobronchial tree. Tracheal glomus tumors present with symptoms including cough, dyspnea, and wheezing that may be mistaken for other pulmonary disorders. Imaging and pulmonary function testing can detect tracheal obstruction, but pathology is necessary to differentiate glomus tumors from other airway tumors. On pathology, glomus tumors are made up of glomus cells, blood vessels, and smooth muscle and are classified based on the predominant cell type. The differential for this tumor includes carcinoid tumors, paragangliomas, and hemangiomas, and immunohistochemical stains can be used to obtain the correct diagnosis. The most common modality for treatment of these tracheal tumors has been surgical resection. However, there have been reported cases of successful removal with rigid or flexible bronchoscopy. We present a case of a tracheal glomus tumor that was successfully resected using electrocautery snare during flexible bronchoscopy. Our case adds to the evidence that flexible bronchoscopy is a safe, less invasive approach to management of tracheal glomus tumors in select patients.

Small-cell cancer presenting as a tracheal polyp: a case report and review of the literature

Primary tracheal tumors are rare. Malignant tracheal polyps constitute the majority, with very few case reports of small-cell cancer in the literature. Staging of these tumors follows the lung cancer TNM staging system, with little evidence-based guidance for their management. We report a case of small-cell cancer presenting as a tracheal polyp and review the related literature.

Anesthesia for tracheal resection and reconstruction

Tracheal resection and reconstruction (TRR) is the treatment of choice for most patients with tracheal stenosis or tracheal tumors. Anesthesia for TRR offers distinct challenges, especially for the less experienced practitioner. This article explores the preoperative assessment, strategies for induction and emergence from anesthesia, the essential coordination between the surgical and anesthesia teams during airway excision and anastomosis, and postoperative care. The most common complications are reviewed. Targeted readership is practitioners with less extensive experience in managing airway surgery cases. As such, the article focuses first on the most common proximal tracheal resection. Final sections discuss specific considerations for more complicated cases.