BACKGROUNDTracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) is a rare, low malignant and primary tracheal carcinoma, which is easily misdiagnosed and missedly diagnosed. The aim of this study is to increase the knowledge about TACC.

METHODSData including clinical manifestations and treatment were retrospectively analyzed for 8 cases of TACC confirmed by pathology and follow-up was carried out.

RESULTSThe main manifestations were cough, stridor, hemoptysis and progressive inspiratory dyspnea. Fiberoptic bronchoscope and computerized tomography were reliable examinations for final diagnosis. Five cases underwent operative treatment, and three cases underwent interventional treatment by fiberoptic bronchoscope in which 1 case accepted a second operation after recurrence and 2 cases accepted chemotherapy after operation. One case was lost, 1 case treated by interventional treatment died after 11 months and other 6 cases were followed-up from 2 months to 34 months who were alive.

CONCLUSIONSTACC is low malignancy and has good prognosis. The best treatment is operation. The better palliative treatment is interventional treatment by fiberoptic bronchoscope which can relieve symptoms and improve the patient's living quality.