Giant bronchial carcinoid tumors: a multidisciplinary approach

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Bronchial carcinoid tumors, though rare lung neoplasms, are malignant and can present with diverse symptoms, including carcinoid syndrome.
• These tumors can remain undiagnosed for years due to variable clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to paraneoplastic syndromes.

Observation:

• A case of a 34-year-old female with a massive, actively secreting bronchial carcinoid tumor involving the right lung, right and left atria, and atrial septum is presented.
• Initial symptoms included chronic diarrhea, skin flushing, shortness of breath, and shoulder pain, indicative of advanced disease.

Findings:

• Successful treatment was achieved through an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach involving extended surgical resection.
• The patient's tumor, despite its enormous size and extensive involvement, was managed effectively.

Implications:

• Carcinoid tumors, regardless of size, are potentially curable, necessitating an aggressive treatment strategy.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration in planning and executing treatment is crucial for favorable outcomes in complex carcinoid tumor cases.
• This case highlights the feasibility of achieving a positive outcome even with initially formidable and seemingly unresectable tumors.