Long-term outcome of bronchoscopically resected endobronchial typical carcinoid tumors

Typical pulmonary carcinoid tumors represent less than 1% of lung tumors. In a subgroup of patients with this abnormality, the tumor is entirely endobronchial. We assessed the long-term outcome of such cases in which the patient was managed with endobronchial resection only.

Patients who underwent bronchoscopic resection for a typical carcinoid tumor were identified through case records and histology reports. Data were collected retrospectively, but follow-up was on a prospective basis through the outpatient clinic.

Between 1978 and 2004, 28 patients underwent bronchoscopic resection of endobronchial carcinoid tumors. The mean age was 49 years (standard deviation, 19 years; age range, 11-82 years), with 46% (13/28) of the patients being male. The tumor arose from the left bronchial tree in 61% (17/28), with the most common site being the left lower lobe bronchus (8/28). On average, patients required 5 bronchoscopic resections to achieve complete resection. The median follow-up was 8.8 years (interquartile range, 4.5-13.7 years). At 1 and 10 years, 100% and 94% of patients were disease free, respectively. The 1- and 10-year survivals were 89% (interquartile range, 84%-93%) and 84% (interquartile range, 77%-91%), respectively.

In a selected group of patients, proximal polypoid typical bronchial carcinoid tumors can be treated endobronchially with good outcome.