[Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea]

Abstract

Cystic adenoid carcinoma of the trachea, also called cylindroma, is a rare malignant tumor accounting for 1% of all respiratory tract cancers.

Objectives: To recall through two observations and a review of the literature, various epidemiologic anatomical clinical aspects, and evolutionary of cystic glandular carcinome of the respiratory tracts. We report 2 cases of cystic glandular carcinoma of the trachea.

Clinical case: They were two women of 60 and 49 year old who came with a deterioration of the general status with dyspnea, dysphonia and/or dysphagia. Radiological explorations visualized, in the first case, a tumoral process of the superior half of the trachea and, in the second case, a tumoral circumferential process budding in the sub-glottic area and reaching the first rings of the trachea. The two patients had a removal of the tumour An auxiliary radiotherapy was indicated in the first case.

Conclusion: Cystic adenoid carcinomas of the trachea are rare tumours. Their diagnosis is based on the bronchial fibroscopy associated with the biopsy. The optimal treatment is surgical associated with the radiotherapy. The palliative treatments keep a place among inoperable patients.