Spindle cell sarcomatoid tumour of the trachea: a rare primary malignant tumour

Abstract

Spindle cell carcinoma is a subtype of sarcomatoid carcinoma, which has previously been described in various anatomical locations, though rarely in the trachea.We present the case of a woman in her 70s who presented with a sore throat and stridor. Fibreoptic nasendoscopy demonstrated a tracheal mass occupying 80% of the airway from the cricoid cartilage to the third tracheal ring, infiltrating the thyroid gland. Subsequent CT demonstrated pulmonary emboli and vertebral metastasis. Biopsy of the infiltrated thyroid confirmed the diagnosis of spindle cell carcinoma. The length of the tumour and metastasis at presentation made this surgically unresectable, and she was referred for a palliative stent but died after an acute deterioration.This pathology has been reported only five times previously in the literature, with management strategies varying greatly between patients. Primary tracheal tumours are difficult to manage as, due to their rarity, there are no clear guidelines.