Tracheal Cancer
Tracheal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.
What is Tracheal Cancer?
Tracheal cancer is an extremely rare malignancy of the trachea (windpipe), usually squamous cell carcinoma (50%) or adenoid cystic carcinoma (40%, salivary gland type). It accounts for <0.1% of cancers, with ~300 US cases annually in 2025, affecting adults aged 50-70, more in men. Its central airway location causes early respiratory symptoms but delayed diagnosis due to rarity.
Symptoms
Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing (mimicking asthma), persistent cough, hemoptysis, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, neck mass, and stridor (high-pitched breathing). Advanced cases cause weight loss, fatigue, or airway obstruction. Symptoms progress over months, often misdiagnosed as COPD or asthma.
Causes
Risk factors include smoking (primary driver), radiation exposure, chronic airway inflammation, and HPV (rare). Genetic mutations (TP53, PIK3CA) contribute. In 2025, environmental pollutants are under study, with no strong genetic links.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses bronchoscopy with biopsy, CT/MRI for tumor extent, and PET for metastasis. In 2025, AI bronchoscopy improves detection of small lesions.
Treatment
Surgery (tracheal resection) is primary for localized tumors, followed by radiation (IMRT). Chemotherapy (cisplatin) and immunotherapy (nivolumab) for advanced cases. In 2025, stent placement and laser therapy palliate obstruction.
Future Outlook
In 2025, 5-year survival is 50-70% for localized, 10-20% for metastatic. Advances in immunotherapy could improve to 30% by 2030, with focus on early detection.
Sources
Mayo Clinic’s “Tracheal Cancer – Symptoms and causes”; Cleveland Clinic’s “Tracheal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment”; NCI’s “Tracheal Cancer Treatment”; American Cancer Society’s “Tracheal Tumors”; PMC’s “Tracheal Cancer: Advances in 2025”.