Repeated tracheal resection for endotracheal metastasis after sleeve pneumonectomy for squamous cell lung cancer

Abstract

The incidence of endotracheal and endobronchial metastases of both pulmonary and non-pulmonary primary malignancies is very rare. However, endotracheal metastasis may occur either as a result of recurrent lung cancer or of non-pulmonary originated neoplasia. Furthermore, reoperation on the trachea is a rare and challenging procedure. We here report a case of endotracheal metastasis from a squamous cell lung carcinoma, after previous tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy, which was resected via a “T” neck incision. The thorough observation of the trachea and bronchial tree over a long follow-up period is crucial for the early detection of endobronchial or endotracheal metastatic disease. Also, reoperation on the trachea can be carried out successfully by experienced surgeons.