Carcinoma of the Trachea: Clinically Unrecognized in 2 Cases

Abstract

Carcinoma of the trachea is rare. Isolated case reports still appear in the literature. The symptoms of hoarseness and dyspnea are usually marked and terminate in severe respiratory distress. Despite these symptoms, the nature of the primary tracheal cancer is often discovered only after autopsy. The following is a report of 2 such cases which constitute the cases of primary carcinoma of the trachea seen at Passavant Memorial Hospital. Case 1.—A 51-year-old white male was first admitted to Passavant Memorial Hospital in November, 1948, at which time a diagnosis of involutional melancholia was made. Preparations were made (including radiographs of the spine and an electrocardiogram) for electric shock therapy, but the patient's extreme agitation, restlessness, suicidal tendencies, and attempts to escape made transfer to another hospital necessary. His history of employment was of an unsuccessful nature. Suicide had been contemplated. Throughout a prolonged stay on the wards of the other