Bronchial carcinoid tumor presenting as a thyroid nodule: an unusual clinical manifestation

Although rare, carcinoid tumors may present as thyroid metastatic nodules. We describe two patients with an undiagnosed bronchial carcinoid tumor, who presented as a thyroid nodule. Pathological examination of these nodules was diagnostic. Chemotherapy was indicated despite the dissemination of the tumors. The patients have an excellent quality of life. They are asymptomatic and alive, 18 and 24 months after diagnosis, respectively. In one case, chemotherapy obtained an important reduction in the size of the tumoral lesions but the other case showed no regression. Octreotide (SMS 201-995) was used in the case with carcinoid syndrome, with an excellent response.