Leiomyoma of the trachea: a case report and a novel surgical approach

Mummified leiomyoma of the midline anterior neck: Case report and literature review

Leiomyomas are benign smooth-muscle tumors that have only rarely been reported in the head and neck. Extensive calcification (mummification) is occasionally seen in deep somatic soft-tissue leiomyomas, which represent a rare subtype. We describe a case of mummified leiomyoma of the soft tissues of the midline anterior neck in a 31-year-old man. His tumor was successfully managed with surgical excision. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the only description of a mummified leiomyoma at this particular site and the first reported case of any leiomyoma at this site in more than 50 years. We also review the literature concerning leiomyomas of the head and neck, their subtypes, diagnostic and management considerations, and outcomes.

Successful surgical resection of leiomyoma obstructing the trachea

We report a case of 51-year-old woman with a severely airway-obstructing leiomyoma who underwent successful tracheal resection. A preoperative tumor biopsy was avoided not to cause any risk of suffocation. At surgery, an endotracheal intubation distal to the tumor was achieved with a bronchoscopic guidance. A segmental resection of the trachea with a primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed via a half-splitting median sternotomy. Negative surgical margins for tumor were confirmed intraoperatively. Final pathological diagnosis was a primary tracheal leiomyoma. Definitive surgical resection is a treatment of choice for such airway-obstructing, wide-based leiomyoma. Although a bronchoscopic removal of the tumor is an alternative choice, the risks of suffocation, positive surgical margins, and perforation of the trachea need to be carefully discussed if it is considered.

Leiomyoma of the trachea

Primary tracheal tumors are rare. Approximately 1% of them are leiomyoma. Given the rarity of these lesions, optimal management has not been defined. Bronchoscopic, local surgical excision and partial tracheal resection have all been described. One report of recurrence after resection has been published. The incidence of recurrence following local excision is unknown. We report a case of an incidental tracheal leiomyoma diagnosed and treated with a combined approach.

Leiomyoma of the trachea: CT and MRI findings

A 47-year-old woman with a tracheal leiomyoma is described. Leiomyoma is a rare benign tumor of the trachea. Only 43 cases have been reported in the English- and Japanese-language literature. To our knowledge, this is the second time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have been reported. MRI can help discriminate between masses with a stalk and masses with a broad base, which in turn can help determine whether surgical resection of the tracheal leiomyoma is appropriate.