Definitive chemoradiotherapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea: A case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant tumour rarely found in trachea, and even less so in our sub-region. In addition to a slow clinical course, this histology has a predilection for perineural invasion and a tendency for local and distant recurrence. Most patients present with dyspnea and symptoms often mimic those of asthma or chronic bronchitis. Although surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, tumour size and location, comorbidities and patient reluctance may prevent surgery. Furthermore, the recognized chemoresistance of this histological type means that radiotherapy, whether definitive or adjuvant, plays a major role in its management. We report the case of a 30-year-old patient treated in our department with definitive chemoradiotherapy.