Long-term outcome of bronchoscopically resected endobronchial typical carcinoid tumors.
BACKGROUND
Typical pulmonary carcinoid tumors represent less than 1% of lung tumors. In a subgroup of patients with this abnormality, the tumor is entirely endobronchial. We assessed the long-term outcome of such cases in which the patient was managed with endobronchial resection only.


METHODS
Patients who underwent bronchoscopic resection for a typical carcinoid tumor were identified through case records and histology reports. Data were collected retrospectively, but follow-up was on a prospective basis through the outpatient clinic.


RESULTS
Between 1978 and 2004, 28 patients underwent bronchoscopic resection of endobronchial carcinoid tumors. The mean age was 49 years (standard deviation, 19 years; age range, 11-82 years), with 46% (13/28) of the patients being male. The tumor arose from the left bronchial tree in 61% (17/28), with the most common site being the left lower lobe bronchus (8/28). On average, patients required 5 bronchoscopic resections to achieve complete resection. The median follow-up was 8.8 years (interquartile range, 4.5-13.7 years). At 1 and 10 years, 100% and 94% of patients were disease free, respectively. The 1- and 10-year survivals were 89% (interquartile range, 84%-93%) and 84% (interquartile range, 77%-91%), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
In a selected group of patients, proximal polypoid typical bronchial carcinoid tumors can be treated endobronchially with good outcome.
Luckraz
Heyman
H
Cardiothoracic Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom. HeymanLuckraz@aol.com
Amer
Khalid
K
Thomas
Lynne
L
Gibbs
Allen
A
Butchart
Eric G
EG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome