Bronchial and Thymic Carcinoid Tumors

Bronchial and thymic carcinoids are rare. We present epidemiologic data and potential risk factors. The approach to bronchial and thymic carcinoid patients is discussed, from the initial diagnosis and evaluations to treatment. These malignancies follow staging systems of their site of origin. Because bronchial and thymic carcinoids are rare, we use many treatment strategies that have been demonstrated in gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The lack of information regarding efficacy in bronchial and thymic carcinoids, as well as the scarcity of therapeutic options available, demands the importance of clinical trials that include these patients.

Key points

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Bronchial carcinoids are well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors that account for approximately 2% of all lung tumors.
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Bronchial carcinoids are usually sporadic, but may be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) syndrome, and are classified into typical and atypical carcinoids.
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MEN-1 syndrome is associated with up to 25% of cases of thymic carcinoids.
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Small biopsies and cytology cannot distinguish between atypical and typical carcinoid; surgical specimens are often required for classification.
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Surgery is the primary treatment modality for patients with localized disease and is the only curative option; while in Stage IV disease, there are few recommendations as to the approach to care.