Rapid response to chemo-immunotherapy in poorly differentiated primary tracheal squamous carcinoma with CK20 aberrance and airway obstruction: a case report
Abstract
Introduction and importance: Primary tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is exceedingly rare and may present with acute airway obstruction, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Aberrant CK20 expression in SCC is uncommon and may mimic metastatic disease, complicating diagnosis. Case presentation: A 43-year-old male presented with sudden respiratory distress, stridor, and right supraclavicular swelling. MRI revealed a 7.9 × 6 × 6 cm tracheal wall mass with nodal involvement. Biopsy confirmed poorly differentiated SCC positive for AE1/AE3, CK5/6, p63, p40, and aberrant CK20, with PD-L1 CPS
Fields of Study & Subjects
Tracheal and airway disorders
Metastasis and carcinoma case studies
Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
- Volume
- 138
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 934–939
- Publication date
- 16 February 2026
- Language
- EN