Successful cryotherapy of a benign tracheal neoplasm.

Abstract

A 10-year-old black male with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnea and stridor was found to have a submucosal mass occupying 75% of the subglottic airway. Biopsy specimens showed a pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary gland origin--a tumor with a predilection for local recurrence after resection. A tracheostomy was performed for airway control and the lesion was treated with endotracheal cryotherapy. Two months later, the tracheostomy was removed and the patient has remained asymptomatic for 9 years. Pulmonary function studies 2 years following cryotherapy demonstrated a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 81% predicted, and a forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV-1) of 73% predicted. Bronchoscopy with biopsy at 5 years showed no evidence of recurrent airway obstruction or persistent tumor. This represents the first reported case of successful treatment of an airway tumor in a child utilizing profound cryotherapy. The case illustrates the utility of endotracheal cryotherapy in the treatment of certain benign and malignant obstructing lesions of the airway in children.

• Authors: B M Rodgers, F Moazam, J L Talbert
• Journal: Journal of pediatric surgery (J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 23 Issue 8 Pg. 771-4 (Aug 1988) ISSN: 0022-3468 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3171851 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adenoma (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Cryosurgery
• Dyspnea (etiology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Radiography
• Respiratory Sounds (etiology)
• Tracheal Neoplasms (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)