Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the lung

Primary lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent a rare but diverse set of neoplasms occurring with increasing frequency. Well-differentiated NETs, also known as bronchial carcinoids, are classified as either typical carcinoids or intermediate-grade atypical carcinoids and are best treated with formal anatomic lung resection with systematic lymphadenectomy. Small-cell and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas represent more aggressive histologies though surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy remains the standard approach for well-selected patients with localized disease. This chapter reviews the diagnosis and surgical management of primary lung NETs.