Prognostic factors in primary tracheal malignancy.

Published literature discussing factors influencing prognosis in primary malignancy of the trachea is reviewed. Twenty-four patients with primary tracheal malignancies presenting during an 11 year period are discussed. Review of their radiological investigations demonstrate that extratracheal extension correlates with poor prognosis whereas vertical length of tumors does not. Overall five year survival in this series is 30%. Patients with extratracheal extension show 18% five year survival while those with only intraluminal disease show 50% survival.