[Bronchial carcinoid tumor]

The present knowledge concerning bronchial carcinoid tumour (BCT) of the lung is described on the basis of two case histories. BCT belongs to the group of APUD tumours which are better known in the intestine. Patients with BCT are younger than patients with malignant pulmonary tumours. The incidence is less than 6% of all pulmonary tumours. The symptoms are similar to those of malignant pulmonary tumours but the duration is longer. The carcinoid syndrome is rare. It is frequently difficult to differentiate between BCT and small cell carcinoma. Radical surgery is indicated on account of the potential malignancy of BCT. The relapse frequency is less than 5% over a period of five years.