Management of tumors of the trachea

Experience in the management of primary tracheal tumors remains small because of their rarity. Adenoidcystic carcinoma (40%) and squamous cell carcinoma off%) are the most common histologies. They present with signs of airway obstruction or hemoptysis and are delineated by bronchoscopy, tomography, and CT scan. Two thirds of all tracheal tumors are resectable, followed by airway reconstruction. Postoperative irradiation appears to be indicated for malignant tumors. Surgical mortality in 147 resections was 5%, with most deaths following carinal reconstruction. Twenty of 41 patients with squamous cell carcinomas who underwent resection are alive without disease (some for more than 25 years) and 39 of 52 with adenoidcystic carcinoma (some for as long as 19 years).