Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the trachea in a child

Primary tracheal neoplasms in children, especially malignant lesions, are e xtremely rare. We report a unique case of low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinom a of the trachea in a 4-year old child, presenting as new-onset asthma. Usi ng the ventilating resectoscope, endoscopic excision was accomplished witho ut complications. The case is presented with documentation including airway films, endoscopic photographs, and histopathology. The diagnosis of trache al masses depends upon maintaining a high index of suspicion, complemented by imaging and timely diagnostic endoscopy. A review of the literature is i ncluded. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights res erved.