Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the mediastinum

Neuroendocrine neoplasma of the mediastinum include thymic carcinoid and small cell carcinoma, parathyroid tumors, and aorticopulmonary or paravertebral paragangliomas. All of these lesions are composed of cells with similar morphological, functional, and biochemical attributes, and may be the sources of eutopic or ectopic hormonogenesis. However, their clinical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features are dissimilar in part, and allow for the effective application of special studies in differential diagnosis. This report presents a review of the above-cited neoplasms, and provides recommendations regarding their pathologic evaluation and treatment.