Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung: an aggressive neuroendocrine lung cancer.
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is part of the neuroendocrine spectrum of pulmonary tumors. This increasingly recognized tumor has been reported to have 5-year actuarial survival rates following resection that are worse than those described for other variants of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, debate has emerged regarding whether the tumors should be classified and treated as NSCLC or small-cell lung cancer. This article reviews the tumor characterization, biology, presentation and diagnosis, surgical therapy, results of therapy, and long term prognosis of patients with LCNEC.
Fernandez
Felix G
FG
Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Battafarano
Richard J
RJ
D018287:Carcinoma, Large Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis