Tracheal Tumors and Strictures

Tracheal tumors typically begin in the trachea, also known as the windpipe, but can also spread from the lungs to the trachea. Tracheal strictures occur when patients develop scar tissue from surgery or other tracheal procedures.

Symptoms include:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent upper respiratory infections

A thoracic surgeon may recommend surgery to remove both tracheal tumors and strictures. Strictures can also be treated with stents and balloon dilation, a less invasive procedure.

Sometimes a complex airway reconstruction is required. Our thoracic surgeons have extensive experience performing these complicated procedures, and often use a minimally invasive approach. The anatomy of the airway is recreated using the patient's own tissues, or those from a donor, so that the internal workings of the thoracic area, including the airways and esophagus are repaired.