An Uncommon Primary Tracheal Tumor Masquerading as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnosed at Autopsy.

Primary tracheal tumors are rare neoplasms and often are hard to diagnose early due to the non-specific clinical presentations. Prolonged symptomatic treatment for these can often lead to missing out the diagnosis and can prove fatal. A 35-year-old male presented with gradually increasing breathlessness and dysphagia to solids and was being treated with bronchodilators and antibiotics. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an intratracheal mass in the lower part of the trachea and the patient was referred to our institution in view of a primary tracheal tumor where he expired within 10 min of admission. On autopsy, the gross findings and histological examination revealed a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma in the trachea. To conclude, primary tracheal tumors, even though rare, should be suspected in cases of refractory chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chest CT and bronchoscopy must be done to aid correct diagnosis.

A retrospective study of 18 cases of adenoid cystic cancer at a tertiary care centre in Delhi.

Context: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm that usually arises from the salivary, lacrimal, or other exocrine glands. It is characteristically locally infiltrative in nature and has a tendency toward local recurrence, high propensity for perineural invasion, and prolonged clinical course. Aim: To analyze the presentation and natural history of cases of adenoid cystic tumors of salivary glands in our institution; and to compare with the existing literature. Design and Setting: Retrospective study at the Department of Radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Data on 18 patients of ACC of the salivary glands treated between 2004 and 2008 were reviewed with respect to clinical presentation, stage, and histology. Results: There were 8 cases of major salivary gland tumors (47%), of which 2 were in the submandibular and 6 were involving the parotid. Ten patients (53%) had minor salivary gland involvement. Two patients had metastasis at the time of presentation. All patients underwent surgery. Radiotherapy was delivered to 16 patients and chemotherapy to 6 patients (concurrent, n = 3 and adjuvant, n = 3) and no adjuvant therapy was given to 2 patients. All patients were alive at a median follow-up of 3 years. No patient developed local or distant failure during the study duration. Conclusion: ACC has locally aggressive behavior. Radiotherapy adjuvant to surgery improves local control in locally advanced disease. Longer follow-up is mandatory in view of incidence of late metastasis.