Objectives:

Lung carcinoid tumors are a rare pathology, representing only 1-5% of all pulmonary neoplasms, with estimated incidence of 5-10/1,000,000 people/year. The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence, clinical and pathological characteristics, and their outcomes, in patients diagnosed with carcinoid tumor in a single institution.

Material and methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with carcinoid tumor undergoing surgical resection at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) from March 2013-to December 2019. Demographic, pathological, clinical, treatment and follow-up data were collected and analyzed.

Results:

30 patients diagnosed with carcinoid tumor were found. The median age was 47.2 years. The most common symptoms of presentation were progressive dyspnea and hemoptysis. The tumor appeared predominantly on the right side and lower lobes. Diagnosis was made preoperatively through bronchoscopy in most cases.

Conclusions:

Pulmonary carcinoid tumors (PCT) are relatively rare pulmonary neoplasms that occur with nonspecific and long-evolving symptoms. Surgical resection is required for treatment, and where feasible, with the greatest preservation of lung tissue possible. This leads to excellent local control and high long-term survival.