Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung

Simran Randhawa; Nikolaos Trikalinos; G Alexander Patterson

doi:10.1016/j.thorsurg.2021.05.005

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung

Thorac Surg Clin. 2021 Nov;31(4):469-476. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2021.05.005.

Authors

Simran Randhawa¹, Nikolaos Trikalinos², G Alexander Patterson³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 1 Barnes Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address: srandhawa@wustl.edu.
² Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 1 Barnes Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
³ Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 1 Barnes Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.

PMID: 34696859
DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2021.05.005

Abstract

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare; however, their incidence is steadily increasing. They now comprise 1% to 2% of all lung cancers. Lung NETs are classified based on the World Health Organization classification into low-, intermediate-, and high-grade tumors. Most patients present with nonspecific symptoms that can result in delayed diagnosis. Bronchoscopy and biopsy are essential to diagnose and classify pulmonary NETs. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy and R0 resection is key. Lung preservation surgery, whenever possible, is preferred. There is little role of systemic therapy in NETs. Survival after R0 resection is reasonably good especially in low-grade tumors.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy; Carcinoid; Neuroendocrine tumors; Sleeve lobectomy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bronchoscopy
Carcinoid Tumor*
Humans
Lung
Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
Neuroendocrine Tumors* / diagnosis
Neuroendocrine Tumors* / surgery