Fibrohistiocytoma: a rare tumour of the trachea

Abstract

### Learning Point for Clinicians Fibrohistiocytomas of the trachea are rare tumours of the trachea. It may be difficult on histology to distinguish benign and malignant disease and expert opinion is required. These tumours can be successfully excised through interventional rigid bronchoscopy. A 54-year-old Caucasian male was referred with haemoptysis. There was no associated dyspnoea, noisy breathing or loss of weight. His medication consisted of montelukast and loratidine for allergic rhinitis. Family history included his father having a pituitary tumour and grandfather having a liver tumour. He had no known allergies, and he had never smoked. He was a retired electronics engineer and may have been exposed to asbestos and beryllium in the past. Examination of the pharynx, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems was normal. Investigations revealed a normal full blood count, coagulation profile, inflammatory markers and biochemistry. A postero-anterior chest radiograph was unremarkable, and the patient had flexible bronchoscopy to identify a cause of his haemoptysis. At bronchoscopy, an exophytic lesion of the trachea just below the vocal cords …