BRONCHIAL AND THYMIC CARCINOID-TUMORS - A REVIEW

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are usually indolent, slow-growing tumors w ith an excellent prognosis. However, even typical carcinoids can metas tazise to regional lymph nodes or to distant sites. Atypical carcinoid s tend to behave more invasively with more frequent nodal and distant metastases. Despite this, long-term survival can be expected as many t umors grow and spread slowly. At the end of the spectrum are the highl y aggressive small cell carcinomas which have a very poor prognosis de spite aggressive chemotherapy. Clinically, carcinoid tumors are freque ntly asymptomatic. Symptoms are most frequently due to obstruction (pn eumonia, 'asthma', coughing) or bleeding. Carcinoid syndrome is seen i nfrequently and usually signifies metastatic disease. Gushing's syndro me is occasionally seen in association with these tumors. The treatmen t of carcinoid tumors is surgical. Resection should be complete and en compass the regional lymph nodes.