[Neurogenic tumors of the trachea]

To date, 20 cases of solitary neurilemmoma and neurofibroma of the trachea have been reported. We report the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of a neurilemmoma of the upper trachea in an 8-year-old girl. The presenting symptom is usually progressive stridor. Radiography, without contrast medium, and tomography confirm the diagnosis. The latter should take into account the possible mediastinal involvement by dumb-bell tumours. The tumours appear in all sections of the trachea but usually lie on the back wall. Endoscopy is not always necessary because it carries risks. For most tumours a tracheotomy provides adequate access, if necessary combined with endoscopy. If the tumour lies distally in the trachea a thoracic approach may be necessary: in the case of mediastinal involvement, it is obligatory.