[Remarkable improvement in dyspnea following bronchofiberscopic ethanol injection therapy -a case report]

A 69-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma( SCC) of the left lower lobe of the lung underwent lobectomy. One year later, radiography performed during check-up revealed pneumonia. After 1 week, he was admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea. Three tumors in his trachea and bronchus had narrowed the respiratory tract, and these were diagnosed as recurrence of SCC. The patient was treated with radiation and bronchofiberscopic ethanol injection (BEI) therapy, following which the tumors reduced remarkably in size; he recovered from respiratory insufficiency and was able to go home. He stayed home for 2 months; however, tumor enlargement was detected subsequently and the patient was at risk of suffocation. This time, the patient received combination therapy that included radiation, TS-1, and BEI. Subsequently, his respiratory airway reopened. BEI offers a quick and safe treatment option and has a rapid effect; therefore, we consider it useful for the treatment of malignant tracheobronchial stenosis.