Objective: The objective of this study has been the description of the cases of carcinoid tumor diagnosed in our Pneumology Service along the last 15 years.
Methods: The study has been conducted retrospectively, including the period between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2001. The clinical histories of all patients with a diagnosis of carcinoid tumor have been reviewed, collecting the demographic clinical, radiological, bronchoscopic, therapeutic, and evolutionary data. RESULTS. On the whole, 41 cases were diagnosed, 36 typical (88%) and 5 atypical (12%), representing 2% of the total of lung neoplasms. The average age was 50 years, and 66% patients were males, with 61% of smokers and ex-smokers. The most relevant clinical parameter was cough with 68% of cases. Chest X-ray was pathological in 88% and CAT in 100%. Bronchoscopy was done in 40 patients, being the localization of the tumor peripheral in 10% and central in 90%. In 37.5% the classical endoscopic image suggestive of this tumor was observed. The definitive diagnosis was obtained in 26 cases by bronchial biopsy, in 14 cases through thoracotomy, and in 1 case by CAT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Surgical treatment was carried out in 36 patients (88%). Five year follow-up has been completed in 16 (39%) patients, with 5 recurrences (2 local and 3 systemic). Five patients were lost for follow-up (12%), and in the 20 patients remaining (49%) the evolution is less than 5 years, with no recurrences up to now. There has not been any death.
Conclusions: We conclude that carcinoid tumors are infrequent, most of them central in location, and are diagnosed preferably by bronchoscopy, although the number of cases with suggestive findings is less than 50%. The treatment is surgical except for contraindications, and the percentage of recurrences has been limited.