Primary malignant lymphoma of the trachea

Abstract

A 65-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of progressive dyspnea. Physical examination revealed wheezing audible through the neck and back. Laboratory test values for the blood, urine, feces, liver, and kidney were normal. CT scan and MRI depicted a mass in the anterior cervical trachea, while there were no specific findings around the trachea, in the thorax, or mediastinum. Bronchoscopic examination showed that the mass had almost occluded the lumen of the trachea. Biopsy of the tumor was not performed for fear of choking the patient. We carried out a thoracic surgical operation. The anterior wall of the trachea was promptly exposed by a collar incision under local anesthesia. An endotracheal tube was inserted into the distal part of the operative field. The resection of four tracheal rings and end-to-end anastomosis were performed. Histologically, the mass was diagnosed as primary malignant lymphoma of the trachea. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there has been no sign of recurrence either clinically or radiologically. Primary malignant lymphoma of the trachea is very rare. We report this case with a review of the literature relevant to it.