Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung are composed of four different cell types, including carcinoid tumor, ranging from a very indolent to the very aggressive biology. Surgery continues to be an important treatment modality for cure, not only for carcinoid tumors but also for early-stage large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma or early-stage small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. However, for early-stage large cell and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, the addition of systemic therapy to surgery is necessary to reduce recurrence and maximize overall survival.