Carcinoid Tumor Presenting as Hemoptysis and Elevated Diaphragm

A bronchial carcinoid tumor is a rare pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor. This report describes a case where a patient experienced multiple episodes of hemoptysis and dyspnea on exertion over the course of five months. An initial chest X-ray showed an elevated right hemidiaphragm with atelectasis, and a follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) scan was ordered to further assess this finding. The CT revealed a tumor occluding 90% of the right main stem bronchus lumen. A bronchoscopy with biopsy was then performed, confirming the diagnosis of a pulmonary carcinoid tumor. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor, a right upper lobe sleeve lobectomy, and a mediastinal lymph node dissection, resulting in full eradication of the tumor. This case highlights the need for physicians to maintain a broad differential when evaluating a patient with hemoptysis and an elevated diaphragm.