Tracheal Adenocarcinoma Treated with Adjuvant Radiation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Primary adenocarcinoma of the trachea is extremely rare and a standard treatment does not exist due to nonavailability of evidence-based randomized control studies. This paper reports the case of a 60-year-old male, who presented with cough and occasional respiratory distress. Bronchoscopic examination and a computed tomography scan revealed a soft tissue mass in the trachea arising from the posterior tracheal wall. Cytological examination and immunochemistry confirmed primary adenocarcinoma of the trachea. Excision of the tumor followed by three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy was performed, and a dose of 56 Gy was delivered to the primary site. Two and a half years after treatment, the patient has no clinical or radiological evidence of the disease, and no late complication has occurred.

Cough as a Clue: Tracheal Endocarcinoma Unveiled

“…The prognosis for patients with malignant tumors of the trachea is generally poor, and the long-term median survival of patients with TAC undergoing postoperative irradiation therapy is still poorly explored [ 2 ]. However, the prognosis for patients who are eligible for surgical resection is generally more favorable compared to those who are not [ 2 ].…”

“…The prognosis for patients with malignant tumors of the trachea is generally poor, and the long-term median survival of patients with TAC undergoing postoperative irradiation therapy is still poorly explored [ 2 ]. However, the prognosis for patients who are eligible for surgical resection is generally more favorable compared to those who are not [ 2 ]. Therefore, surgical resection is often recommended as the primary treatment approach for most cases of primary tracheal tumors, regardless of tumor burden, margin status, histology, or nodal status.…”

“…The diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage, primarily attributed to the delayed onset of nonspecific symptoms such as hemoptysis, dyspnea, cough, and stridor [ 1 ]. Optimal management strategies hinge upon a careful assessment of the tumor stage and the feasibility of the surgical intervention, while radiation therapy and chemotherapy serve as viable alternative options [ 1 , 2 ]. Due to the limited clinical data, a multidisciplinary approach is indispensable for comprehensive patient care.…”

Tracheal pleomorphic adenoma with coexisting pulmonary tuberculoma

“…In adults, approximately 90% of the primary tracheal tumors are malignant, whereas in children, the majority of these tumors are benign. Primary tracheal tumors can arise from the respiratory epithelium, salivary glands, and mesenchymal structure of the trachea [3].…”