14783 Carcinoid Tumors Of The Lungs

Overview

A lung carcinoid tumor is a rare, usually slow-growing type of lung cancer that starts in hormone-producing cells in the lungs. These tumors are often not very aggressive and may stay in the lungs for a long time without spreading quickly.

No, they are rare. They make up only a small fraction of lung tumors.

Lung carcinoids can affect anyone, but they are most often diagnosed in people between 40 and 60 years old. They affect men and women about equally.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A cough that does not go away
• Coughing up blood (even a little)
• Wheezing or a feeling of tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Repeated lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is unknown.
• The tumor develops from special hormone-making cells (neuroendocrine cells) in the lungs.
• Unlike many other lung cancers, smoking is not a strong cause of typical lung carcinoids, though atypical types may be linked to smoking.

Risk factors

• Being between 40 and 60 years old
• Having a rare inherited condition such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
• A family history of carcinoid tumors

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you cough up blood or have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing, get urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
• If you keep getting chest infections
• If you are losing weight without trying

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by listening to your symptoms and examining you. If they suspect a lung problem, they may refer you for imaging scans and, if needed, a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests that may be done

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan (a detailed scan of the chest)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Bronchoscopy (a thin tube with a camera is passed into the airways)
• Biopsy (taking a small tissue sample for examination)
• Blood and urine tests to check for hormone levels

What to expect at your appointment

You will be referred to a lung specialist. Most tests are painless, though a biopsy might cause some mild discomfort. Results usually take a week or more, and your doctor will explain the findings clearly and discuss next steps.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, type, location of the tumor, and whether it has spread. Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for lung carcinoids that have not spread.

Self-care at home

• Follow your healthcare provider's advice about breathing exercises and activity.
• Keep a record of any symptoms and report changes.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and enough rest.

Medical treatments

For tumors that cannot be surgically removed, or that have spread, doctors may use treatments to control symptoms or slow growth. This can include medicines to manage hormone-related symptoms, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. The exact approach is personalised for each person.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often the first-choice treatment if the tumor is in one part of the lung and has not spread. The surgeon may remove only the tumor and a small margin of healthy lung, or in some cases a larger section of the lung, depending on the tumor's size and location.

Living with this condition

Many people with lung carcinoid tumors live full, normal lives. After surgery, you may need time to recover, and you will have regular follow-up scans to keep an eye on your health.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
• Stay as active as you can.
• Get plenty of rest and manage stress in healthy ways.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Gentle exercise like walking can help maintain your energy and lung function.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of a lung tumor can be frightening and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious or sad. Talk to your healthcare team about your feelings, and if you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, reach out to a mental health professional or call your local emergency number.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent lung carcinoid tumors because the cause is largely unknown.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for lung carcinoid tumors.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for lung carcinoids in the general population.

Complications

If left untreated

• If left untreated, a lung carcinoid can cause bleeding, block an airway, or spread to other parts of the body.
• Some carcinoids can release hormones that cause flushing, diarrhea, or heart problems (carcinoid syndrome), although this is uncommon with lung carcinoids.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good for typical lung carcinoids, especially if the tumor is completely removed with surgery. Even atypical carcinoids, which grow a bit faster, still have a much better outlook than most other types of lung cancer. Your doctor can give you a clearer picture based on your specific situation.

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