Primary tracheal tumours are extremely rare. The most common variety is the squamous cell carcinoma. Other types seen in the tracheal area are salivary gland cancers, carcinoid tumours, adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, melanomas, malignant fibrous histiocytoma to name a few. Most patients present with signs and symptoms of upper airway obstruction, hemoptysis, or with episodes of pneumonia.
Tracheal tumours are best treated with surgical resection and reconstruction. The use of radiotherapy as the primary treatment should be reserved for patients with disease too extensive for cure.
