Tracheal polypoid combined small cell lung cancer (C-SCLC): A case report

Abstract

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis that accounts for 10% of all cases of clinical lung cancer. Due to its high growth fraction and rapid doubling time it is usually diagnosed as extensive local or metastatic disease in 60%–70% of cases. Combined small cell lung cancer (C-SCLC) is a relatively rare subtype of SCLC and is defined as SCLC combined with any elements of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical presentation of SCLC as an isolated pedunculated endotracheal lesion is an especially rare occurrence. Here, we report for the first time the occurrence of a C-SCLC as a polypoid tumor of the trachea diagnosed in an 80-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with a principal complaint of cough and wheezing.