ABSTRACT
A 67-year-old man presented with dyspnea on exertion. Bronchoscopic examination revealed a tumor arising from the middle portion of the trachea and extending to the right main bronchus. The pathological diagnosis was adenoid cystic carcinoma. Radiotherapy and subsequent endobronchial electrocautery were performed, and elicited a partial response. In the clinical course. Dumon and Ultraflex stents were placed in the trachea asynchronically. Brachytherapy and esophageal stent placement were also performed for tumor control in the trachea and esophagus. Autopsy revealed that the tumor had invaded the trachea and esophagus, and bacterial mediastinitis was also demonstrated. Because the tumor was successfully controlled during the following 4 years and 9 months, we concluded that endobronchial therapy such as stent placement or electrocautery is useful for maintaining good quality of life.
