Tracheal leiomyoma

Tracheal leiomyoma is a form of a benign tracheal tumor.

Epidemiology

They are thought to account for around 1% of all tracheal tumors.

Clinical presentation

Presentation depends on tumor location and size with some reports suggesting patients becoming symptomatic when tumor obstructs more than 75% of the tracheal lumen . While they are present and any age, leiomyomas of the respiratory tract are thought to mostly present around a 4 decade .

Pathology

Like leiomyomas in general, they are composed of smooth muscle cells. They are often circumscribed firm, whitish-pink tumors. Occasional areas of cystic degeneration may occur (often due to poor vascularization). They can be sessile or widely pedunculated.

Complications

Ulceration and secondary infection may occur.

See also

• tracheal masses - differential diagnosis
• tracheal and endobronchial lesions - differential diagnosis