[Primary non-squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea and main bronchus--analysis of 17 cases]

Seventeen patients with primary non-squamous cell carcinoma in the trachea and main bronchus are reported. Tomography and bronchoscopy are of great help in the diagnosis of this disease. CT scan is useful to show the extent of the tumor and lymph node metastasis. The treatment should depend on the extent of the lesion, pathologic type and general condition of the patient. Surgery is the treatment of choice for the early stage lesion, while pre- or post-operative irradiation is given to patients with larger tumor. In patients with localized lesion but unsuitable for operation because of late stage or poor differentiation of the tumor, radical radiotherapy alone should be used. A total dose of 70-80 Gy/7-8 weeks is suggested.