A resection of tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a child: case report

Abstract

The patient was an 8-year-old girl. About half a year ago, cough appeared and she was treated by a home doctor but her wheezing gradually worsened. Computed tomography showed a solid mass with a contrast effect on the ventral side of the tracheal lumen, which occupied about 80% of the trachea, so she was referred to our department. Since the symptoms worsened over time, semi-urgent surgery was performed. Tracheal wedge resection was performed and the tumor was removed. The pathological result was low-grade tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Five years have passed since the operation, and no recurrence findings have been found by bronchoscopy. Even nonspecific airway symptoms such as cough should be examined for tracheal tumors if they are accompanied by worsening airway obstruction symptoms. In addition, tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma has a good prognosis if completely resected; thus, tracheal wedge resection was an effective method.