This study investigated 22 patients with histologically proven primary
bronchial carcinoids and in particular the relationship between asses
sment parameters and survival. In each patient, age, sex, smoking habi
ts, mode of presentation, results of diagnostic investigations, method
s of treatment and pathological examination of resected specimens were
recorded. Follow-up was possible in all patients for at least 5 years
. Patients with atypical carcinoids were 10 years older than patients
with typical ones. Eleven patients were smokers, all the patients with
atypical and 4 patients with typical carcinoid. The most common prese
nting mode was pneumonia. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was diagnostic in 11
cases. The survival rate for patients with typical carcinoid was 100%
, while it was 57% in patients with atypical carcinoids. Patients with
limited disease had a survival of 100%, while in stage III/IV patient
s showed a lower survival rate (50%). In conclusion, carcinoid tumors
of the lung are tumors showing a good prognosis. Five-year survival in
dicated a significant difference between typical and atypical carcinoi
ds and between limited and extensive disease. A precise staging is rec
ommended for a better treatment and follow-up.