[Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung]

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung can be seen as a separate entity, in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO classification of 1999, in terms of immunohistochemical findings in biopsy material as well as in more extensive resections. The characterization of carcinoid tumors and small cell lung cancer by the pathologist according to histomorphological and cytological criteria is commonly accepted, and is of decided importance with regard to clinical questions and therapeutic measures.However, it is still unclear whether the "new" group of large cell neuroendocrine carcinomata of the lung has to be regarded as a separate entity with clinical and therapeutic relevance, or whether this group remains within the non-small cell lung cancers as a special form of differentiation. These complex questions can only be answered by studies targeting the course of the disease and the results of therapy.