A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea in a female cigarette smoker

A rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea in a female cigarette smoker is reported. The patient was a 72-year-old female with smoking index of 440 who developed wheezing and dyspnea on December 18, 1991. She was diagnosed as having bronchial asthma and hospitalized, but the symptoms were not improved. Bronchofiberscopic examination was performed and revealed a tracheal tumor on April 24, 1992. She was then referred to this cancer center. CT scan of the neck on admission showed a solid tumor which was 19 x 18 mm in diameter and protruded from the membranous portion and the right side of the tracheal wall into the lumen. Bronchofiberscopic findings revealed a soft polypoid tumor with a whitish coat on the surface and a tendency to bleed, at the second tracheal ring from the vocal cord. Histological findings of the biopsied specimen were compatible with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. A segmental resection of the trachea with end-to-end anastomosis was performed on May 6th, 1992. Postoperative radiation therapy (50.4 Gy) was added because of the residual microscopic cancer in the distal membranous portion of the tracheal wall. Female cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea have been rarely reported in Japan. The relationship between squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea and smoking is considered.