A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma located in the lower part of the trachea treated by sleeve resection through median sternotamy

Abstract

A tracheal tumor can be resected through a median sternotamy or a right thoracotomy. Tracheal cancer located in the lower part of the trachea was resected through a median sternotamy, which provided good exposure. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to wheezing. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a 16-mm nodular mass originating from the left side of the trachea with a 20-mm nodular mass connected outside the trachea near the aortic arch. Bronchofiberscopy showed a tracheal tumor, which occluded 80% of the tracheal lumen. Biopsy showed adenoid cystic carcinoma with cribriform features, which was reported to be more invasive. She underwent circumferential resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea through a median sternotomy. Pathological diagnosis during surgery was not performed. Because of the positive margin, she received adjuvant radiation therapy 2 months after surgery, and has survived for 2 years without any signs of recurrence.