Abstract
Background The majority of adult primary tracheal tumors are malignant; however, as one type
of benign tumors, lipoma is extremely uncommon.
Case Description We report a case where lipoma was first misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma, followed
by sudden aggravation of dyspnea after trauma, and computed tomography (CT) examination
of the neck and chest confirmed a tracheal tumor. Through multiple bronchoscopy interventions
and placements of a tracheal stent, little therapeutic benefit was discovered, and
resection of the tracheal tumor combined with tracheal end-to-end anastomosis was
performed to ultimately achieve a cure.
Conclusion Primary tracheal tumors should be highly suspected in patients with recurrent and
gradually worsening dyspnea; timely cervical, thoracic CT and bronchoscopy can provide
an accurate diagnosis. Surgical radical resection is the only way to cure all benign
tracheal tumors such as lipoma.
Keywords
surgical treatment - tracheal lipoma - bronchoscopy - tracheal stent
