Tracheal chondrosarcoma: A case report

Background. Tracheal neoplasms are extremely rare, representing only 0.2% of malignancies of the respiratory tract. A case of tracheal chondrosarcoma, with airway obstruction, seen in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Cincinnati is presented. Review of the literature was undertaken, revealing 10 previously described cases. Clinical presentation and treatment options are described. Methods. A literature review of all reports of tracheal chondrosarcoma was undertaken. Results. From this review, we identified only 10 single case reports. The majority of patients were elderly men, with lesions in the mid to distal trachea. Treatment predominantly consisted of tracheal resection. Recurrence was associated with failure to achieve complete resection. Conclusions. We conclude that tracheal chondrosarcoma is an exceedingly rare upper airway neoplasm. Treatment should be aimed at complete surgical removal.