Adult Tracheobronchomalacia that Progressed Following Radiotherapy in an Advanced-stage Lung Cancer Patient: A Rare Case Report

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is the collapse of the trachea and bronchi, which leads to respiratory symptoms and complications, often on forced expiration. Radiotherapy (RT) is a rare cause of adult TBM. Here, we report the first case of progressive TBM following palliative RT in a patient with squamous cell lung carcinoma. TBM was diagnosed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and thoracic CT scans. In patients with advanced-stage lung cancer who experience worsening dyspnea and cough following palliative RT, TBM should also be taken into account.