Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors. Current review

Clinical issue: Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung are a heterogenous tumor group. The pathological classification comprises diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, classic neuroendocrine tumors, and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Classic neuroendocrine tumors include typical and atypical carcinoid tumors. Diagnostic work-up: Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis and can help in identifying the tumor biology. Overall, this tumor group is rare, comprising less than 2% of all thoracic tumors. Practical recommendations: In the current review, the various tumors are presented and important aspects regarding pathological classification, imaging modalities, and treatment are described.