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

•occasional retching produces hemorrhagic discharge

•respiratory signs usually evident when > 50% diameter of airway obstructed

•large masses may be palpable

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

•other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endoscopic removal, and 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