Tracheal mucosal keratosis: Case discussion and literature review

A 57-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of cough, with productive yellow sputum particularly severe in the morning. Bronchoscopy revealed inflammatory changes in both main bronchi, with abundant white purulent secretions and necrotic material adhering to the luminal surface. Histopathological examination showed chronic inflammatory changes in the mucosal tissue, with mild hyperplasia of the local squamous epithelium and evidence of keratinization in the surrounding area, consistent with a diagnosis of tracheal mucosal keratosis. The patient was treated with anti-infection therapy, combined with symptomatic supportive treatments such as cough suppression, expectorants, and bronchodilation, resulting in an improvement of symptoms. Analysis of previous literature revealed that although this condition lacks specific clinical manifestations and signs, it exhibits a typical pattern of tracheal wall lesions, and bronchoscopy and histopathological examination have high diagnostic value for this disease. Due to impaired airway mucosal barrier function, the patient is prone to bacterial infection or colonization in the airways. Symptomatic supportive treatment based on the actual condition can effectively alleviate the patient's clinical symptoms. Currently, there is no definitive curative treatment for tracheal mucosal keratosis. However, treatments such as high-frequency electrocautery, carbon dioxide cryotherapy, and repeated lavage with epidermal growth factors may be helpful in curing this condition.