+ GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Feline Tracheal Tumors
- Primary tracheal neoplasms are rare in cats
- Tracheal tumors in cats include LSA, SCC, ADC, leiomyosarcoma, and adenoma
- Secondary involvement of the trachea with mediastinal LSA has been reported
- Mean age 9.5 years
DIAGNOSIS
+ Clinical Signs
- Paroxysmal intermittent coughing of several weeks duration
- Progressive worsening of dyspnea, stridor, and exercise intolerance
- Pccasional retching produces hemorrhagic discharge
- Respiratory signs usually evident when > 50% diameter of airway obstructed
- Large masses may be palpable especially in the dog
+ Imaging
- Survey ± contrast bronchography with survey radiographs usually sufficient due to size of lesions at diagnosis
- Other radiographic signs include pulmonary over-expansion, flattening of the diaphragm, and prominent pulmonary vasculature secondary to increased air content in the lower airways
- Tracheoscopy provides positive diagnosis with samples collected for brush cytology and histopathology
- CT or MRI used in humans
TREATMENT
+ Surgical Resection
- Resection and anastomosis
- ± tracheal wall reconstruction or stenting
+ Other Treatment Options
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Endoscopic removal
- Photodynamic therapy
+ Prognosis
- Benign tracheal neoplasms have a good prognosis following complete resection
- Prognosis is good for cats with tracheal tumors:
- Survival times for LSA > 1-21 months
- Survival times for ADC > 3-12 months