Tracheal cancer: a rare and deadly but potentially curable disease that also affects younger people

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The incidence of tracheal cancer is low, few clinicians get much experience, and the awareness may be low. Recent data on the treatment and outcome are limited. The aim of the present study was to present updated, national data on the incidence, characteristics, treatment, and outcome for patients with tracheal cancer. METHODS All tracheal cancers registered at the Cancer Registry of Norway in 2000–2020 were extracted. Patient and tumour characteristics like date of diagnosis, age, sex, stage, histology, and treatment modality (surgery and radiotherapy) were examined. Overall, median, and relative survival were estimated. Cox regression models were used to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS The 77 patients were diagnosed with tracheal cancer equals a crude incidence rate and an age-standardized incidence rate of 0.075 and 0.046 per 100,000 per year respectively. The mean age was 63.8 years (range: 26–94). The numerical preponderance of men (n = 41) is not statistically significant. Eighteen (23.4%) were diagnosed in localized stage. The 5-year overall survival was 31.7% (95% CI: 21.0–42.9), and in those treated with surgical resection or curative radiotherapy, it was 53.7% (95% CI: 26.1–75.0) and 37.8% (95% CI: 18.8–56.7) respectively. Age, histological type, and treatment modality were identified as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS Despite improved survival, the prognosis for patients with tracheal cancer is still poor. Few are diagnosed in early stage and thus most is not eligible for curative treatment, mainly surgery. An increased awareness and diagnosis in earlier stage is crucial.

Tissue‐engineered tracheal implants: Advancements, challenges, and clinical considerations

“…Tracheal afflictions in adults encompass a spectrum of etiologies, predominantly stemming from traumatic injuries, benign conditions (notably tracheobronchomalacia, TBM), and various cancer types (Table 1 ). 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 Although precise incidence figures are challenging to ascertain, tracheobronchial injuries contribute to 2.5%–3.2% of trauma‐related fatalities and affect 0.6%–2.1% of trauma cases admitted complicated with neck or pulmonary injuries. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 Malignant tumors invading the trachea often necessitate lesion resection and one‐stage structure reconstruction, encompassing primary Tracheal or bronchus malignancies such as adenoid cystic carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.…”

“… 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 Malignant tumors invading the trachea often necessitate lesion resection and one‐stage structure reconstruction, encompassing primary Tracheal or bronchus malignancies such as adenoid cystic carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 12 , 13 TBM, an underreported condition characterized by tracheal cartilage softening, poses another pathological mechanism leading to airway damage. 1 Moreover, prolonged intubation in intensive care unit patients can result in laryngotracheal injuries resulting from tracheotomies and endotracheal intubation procedures.…”