1990 Volume 30 Issue 3 Pages 313-318
Thirteen cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tracheobronchial tree were studied clinically. In all cases, tumors developed in airways which were larger than lobar bronchi and no abnormality could be detected in 85% of the cases by plain chest X-ray films. Complete resection of the tumor was difficult, because the tumor often extended beyond the range of mucosal invasion evaluated before operation. Radiotherapy was performed in 9 cases and complete regression of the tumor was observed in 2 cases. Local chemotherapy with bronchial arterial infusion was also effective in 2 cases. Endoscopic Nd-YAG laser treatment was useful to widen the bronchial lumen. The 5-year survival rate was 44% overall. Multidisciplinary treatment is essential to prolong survival.
