Removal of glomus tumor in the lower tracheal segment with a flexible bronchoscope: report of two cases

Intern Med. 2010;49(9):865-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.3013. Epub 2010 Apr 30.

Abstract

Tracheal glomus tumor is an extremely rare neoplasm resected mostly by open surgery or through rigid bronchoscopy. We report two cases presenting with polypoid masses arising from the tracheal membrane in the posterior wall of the lower tracheal segment. The tumor was removed by high-frequency electrocautery and flexible bronchoscopic argon-plasma coagulation, and follow-up bronchoscopy and chest CT did not reveal tumor recurrence 12 months after the operation. In patients with tracheal glomus tumor who have poor surgical tolerance or are not willing to receive an open surgery, flexible bronchoscopic tumor removal can be a good alternative to relieve the airway obstruction symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bronchoscopes*
  • Bronchoscopy / methods
  • Chest Pain / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Electrocoagulation / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glomus Tumor / diagnostic imaging
  • Glomus Tumor / pathology*
  • Glomus Tumor / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Tracheal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Tracheal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tracheal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult