Lung tumors with neuroendocrine morphology: essential radiologic and pathologic features.
BACKGROUND
Tumors with neuroendocrine morphology are a distinct subset of lung neoplasms sharing characteristic histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular features.


OBJECTIVE
To review the current histologic classification and the diagnostic criteria for the major categories of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung.


METHODS
Published classification systems from the World Health Organization and pertinent peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) form the basis of this review.


CONCLUSIONS
Accurate classification of the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung requires knowledge of specific criteria separating the major categories, which is essential for determining prognosis and treatment.
Franks
Teri J
TJ
Department of Pulmonary and Mediastinal Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306, USA. frankst@afip.osd.mil
Galvin
Jeffrey R
JR
D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography