Bronchial Carcinoid Tumours in Children — A Review

Abstract

Bronchial carcinoids (BCs) are rare, well-differentiated malignant neuroendocrine tumours that account for 2–5 % of all lung neoplasms in adults. In paediatric patients, carcinoids represent the most frequent primary lung cancer. Although BCs in childhood often have an endobronchial location causing airway obstruction, they are frequently misdiagnosed as benign conditions, resulting in a delay in definitive diagnosis and treatment. Surgery represents the treatment of choice for BCs, and lung-sparing resections (sleeve or bronchoplastic procedures) are recommended in central carcinoid tumours; pneumonectomy should be avoided, particularly in childhood. If promptly diagnosed and radically treated, BCs in children have an excellent prognosis. Relapses can occur many years after a radical resection, highlighting the necessity for long-term follow-up.