These growths account for only around 2% of all lung tumors.
Treatments vary depending on the specific key in of tumor.
They function as neurons (nerve cells) and endocrine cells (responsible for the secretion of hormones).
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Commonsymptomsinclude:
As lung cancer progresses, people also often experienceunexplained weight loss.
Those that arise in the lungs are referred to as pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.
TheKi67 proliferation indexis a blood marker test used to differentiate between high-grade and low-grade tumors.
It can also be used to estimate the likelihood of recurrence.
A generalblood chemistry panelcan reveal hypercalcemia and other abnormalities.
Radiation therapy may be an option for early-stage tumors when surgery is not possible.
For these individuals, chest CT scans may be performed every three years starting at age 20.
Unfortunately, there is little evidence that screening increases survival time.
Adults at high risk of smoking-related lung cancer should undergo routine screening.
Surgery is often the first treatment for neuroendocrine lung tumors.
Depending on the jot down of tumor, chemotherapy, radiation, and drug therapies may also be used.
2017;19(12):991-1002. doi:10.1016/j.neo.2017.09.002
Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation.Neuroendocrine Tumor Sites.
Cancer Research UK.Symptoms of Lung NETs.
Zainal A, Akinsola O, Rajamani K.Cushing syndrome secondary to primary neuroendocrine lung carcinoma.Case Rep Endocrinol.
doi:10.7759/cureus.7186
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for lung carcinoid tumors.
2015 Jul;112(27-28):479-85. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0479
Lung Cancer Foundation of America.Large Cell Lung Cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment-Patient Version.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology.
Current Treatment Options in Oncology.
American Cancer Society.Surgery to Treat Lung Carcinoid Tumors.
