Rationale: Salivary gland-type acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a low-grade malignancy. Primary ACC of the trachea and lungs is rare; here, we describe 1 such case. The histological morphology of tracheal ACC was similar to that of its salivary gland-associated equivalent. Because of its rarity, it is easily misdiagnosed as another type of tracheal or lung tumor. Microscopic analysis of pathological features and immunohistochemistry help diagnose primary ACC of the trachea and lungs.
Patient concerns: A 33-year-old female complained of shortness of breath and hemoptysis for 2 years, and reported the symptoms to have aggravated over the last 4 months. The patient was admitted to our hospital for further treatment. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a soft tissue density nodule shadow in the trachea, which was approximately 1.3 × 1.2 cm in size.
Diagnoses: Based on the clinical information, morphological features, and immunohistochemistry, the pathological diagnosis was primary ACC of the trachea.
Intervention: The tracheal lesion was resected with an electric snare, electrotomy, freezing, and an argon knife using a rigid bronchoscope.
Outcomes: The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.
Lessons: It is important to prevent misdiagnosis of this type of tumor as another type of lung tumor. Morphological and immunohistochemical features can be useful in diagnosing primary ACC of the trachea and lungs.
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