Primary carcinoma of the trachea: report of two cases

Primary carcinoma of the trachea is not common. Of 23 cases diagnosed as "carcinoma of the trachea" at our institution since 1949, 21 actually represented secondary involvement from carcinoma of the larynx, lung, or esophagus. The two cases of primary carcinoma of the trachea are presented. Discussed are the relation of histologic type to anatomic site, frequency of the more common histologic patterns, the poor prognosis associated with this cancer, and pertinent clinical and radiologic diagnostic tests and findings. More consideration should be given to this diagnosis, especially in a patient developing stridor, as so often this lesion is amenable to treatment.