Cough as a Clue: Tracheal Endocarcinoma Unveiled

Abstract

Tracheal adenocarcinoma (TAC) is a rare malignancy often characterized by significant delays in diagnosis, often attributed to the non-specific nature of symptoms, leading to subsequent challenges in management. The prognosis remains poor, highlighting the need for early detection and multidisciplinary treatment strategies. Surgical resection is recommended for eligible patients, followed by postsurgical irradiation. However, further research is required to give a better perspective on therapeutic interventions and enhance patient outcomes. This paper reports the case of a 50-year-old male, who presented with dyspnea, hemoptysis, and cough. The computed tomography (CT) revealed an intratracheal tissue mass. The cytological examination and immunocytochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of primary adenocarcinoma in the trachea. The treatment involved silicone tracheobronchial Y-stent followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, and radiotherapy (60 Gray) with good clinical improvement.