[Carcinoid tumor of the thymus: report of a case (author's transl)]

Carcinoid tumor primarily developing in the thymus gland is very rare. A new case is reported to add to the 35 previously reported. In most cases, patients have no endocrinological syndrome; the tumor is rarely associated with a multiple endocrine adenomatosis. This neoplasm probably derived from Kultschizky cells which are present in the normal thymus gland. Histologically they are very similar to the carcinoid tumor of other organs. Complete surgical excision is the best treatment when possible.