Pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea

Abstract

A case of salivary gland type pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea in a 48-year-old woman is presented. Pleomorphic adenoma is extremely rare in the trachea. The behavior of this tumor in the trachea appears to be similar to its counterpart in other sites and distinctly different from the more frequently encountered epithelial tumors.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Trachea

“…However, such a patient may have cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis depending on the location and size of the tumor. [4][5][6][7][8] Our patient had an 8-month history of dyspnea and cough before the definite diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma was made.…”

“…3 They occur commonly in the salivary gland of the head and neck, but rarely in the airway. [3][4][5] Because of the slow growing nature of these tumors, patients with pleomorphic adenomas rarely experience sudden-onset respiratory symptoms. Because of this insidious progression, presentation is delayed.…”

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Trachea Mimicking Bronchial Asthma: Report of a Case

“…These tumors vary in size, but they are generally whitish-gray, sessile, fi rm, polypoid lesions covered with a glistening mucosa, as seen in our patient. 9 The biologic behavior and clinical course of pleomorphic adenoma have not been well described because of the limited number of case reports; however, there have been two reports of this tumor showing malignant and aggressive behavior. 8 Even a metastatic lesion in the lung and chest wall was noted 11 years after complete resection of a benign pleomorphic adenoma.…”

“…The average age of these patients was 48 years (range, 26-71 years) and the sex distribution was equal. 9 Almost half of these tumors were localized in the upper onethird of the trachea and 12% were localized in the lower one-third. 10 The tumor in our patient originated from the left lateral inner wall of the lumen 4 cm above the carina.…”

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Trachea: A Case Report

“…Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor of the major salivary gland, rarely occurring in the lung and typically arising from the tracheal and bronchial seromucous glands 2,3. The exact definitive incidence has not been reported.…”