++
++
Diagnosis includes carcinoid and bronchial gland tumors, which are low-grade malignancies
Most patients are younger than 60 years
Men and women are affected equally
Tumors grow slowly and rarely metastasize
++
Common symptoms
Hemoptysis
Cough
Focal wheezing
Recurrent pneumonia
Carcinoid syndrome is rare
Bronchoscopy may reveal a pink or purple mass in a central airway
Complications involve bleeding and airway obstruction rather than tumor invasion or spread
++
++
Surgical excision of symptomatic lesions is often necessary
Prognosis is generally favorable
Most bronchial carcinoid tumors are resistant to radiation or chemotherapy