Two Cases of Primary Tracheal Tumors

Abstract

Two cases of primary tumors of the cervical trachea were presented.A case of adenoma, restricted in the cervical trachea at the level of 4 cm. below the glottis, was successfully removed by tracheotomy with curettment and cauterization.A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma, localized mostly in the cervical trachea but some-what extended to the intrathracic trachea, was operated by complete circumferencial resection of the trachea with mediastinotomy by median sternotomy approach preserving the larynx and esophagus. The tumor, however, could not be removed completely even by this combined surgical approach, and was followed by Co60 irradiation of total amount of 8000 R. The patient passed away from sudden rupture of an intrathoracic vessel 10 months after the operation.The authors came to the conclusion that the tumor of the trachea, although uncommon, should be kept always in mind and early diagnosis made whenever symptomes of respiratory obstruction have developed, and that the tumor should be resected completely by surgical procedure without any addministration of irradiation therapy, if possible.It is hoped that thraugh continued search for a suitable material we will be able to utilize a tracheal prosthesis.