Carcinoma Obstructing the Trachea

Abstract

Obstruction of the trachea by tumor poses grave problems in management that are directly proportional to the extent of the block. Not only is elective treatment difficult but even the emergency establishment of an adequate airway may prove formidable. In the following case a carbon dioxide laser was successfully used broncho-scopically in a patient with almost complete obturation of the distal trachea by carcinoma.Case ReportIn 1951, at the age of 38 years, this woman underwent bronchotomy and enucleation of a polypoid mucoepidermoid carcinoma obstructing the left main-stem bronchus. In January, 1975, at the age of 61, slowly progressive . . .