BRONCHIAL CARCINOID-TUMORS - 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 79  (4) , 532-536
Abstract
Patients (69) with documented carcinoid tumors, 67 of whom had resectable disease, were reviewed. Operations included 9 pneumonectomies, 31 lobectomies, 12 bilobectomies, 5 segmental resections and 10 sleeve resections. Follow-up on 65 patients revealed 40 surviving beyond 5 yr and 13 beyond 20 yr since resection. There were no operative deaths and only 1 recurrence (local) that was subsequently successfully resected. Twenty patients had recurrent unifocal pneumonitis or hemoptysis for up to 5 yr prior to diagnosis. Two patients had the carcinoid syndrome. Biopsy was performed on 23 tumors and resulted in moderate-to-severe hemorrhage in 6 cases. Lymphatic spread was present in 7 cases. All 7 are alive and free of disease, 6 of whom was followed from 5-24 yr. Diseased resection margins were present in 2 cases, with both surviving 20 yr after resection. All 10 sleeve resections were performed more than 5 yr ago. Carcinoid tumors carry a favorable prognosis upon resection, even when intrathoracic lymphatic metastases are present and are resected. Lung-sparing resections including sleeve resections should be utilized. Recurrent pneumonia or hemoptysis or both requires diligent investigation. Biopsy of the tumors may be performed with care.

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