Carcinoid Tumors of the Lung Facts

What Are Lung Carcinoid Tumors?

Illustration of a female thorax with lungs and a large tumor mass in the left lung.
Pulmonary carcinoid tumors, differ from other cancers that arise in the lungs. They develop from the neuroendocrine system, tissue which has qualities of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. Scientists believe that the hormones released by healthy neuroendocrine tissue help the lungs regulate the flow of air, the flow of blood and the growth of other cells.
 
  • Pulmonary carcinoids are rare malignant tumors, comprising about 1 to 2 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses.
  • There are about 2,000 to 4,500 new cases in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
  • Ninety percent of lung carcinoids are classified as “typical,” meaning that they grow slowly and rarely spread.
  • One in 10 are atypical — faster to grow and spread.