Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from the left main bronchus

Abstract

A 67-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a detailed medical examination of a bronchial polyp that was detected during chest computed tomography. Bronchoscopic examination revealed a tumor that almost occluded the main left bronchus. Nd-YAG laser treatment and tumor removal with biopsy forceps were conducted. On the basis of the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), T2aN0M0, stage IB was diagnosed. After induction chemotherapy with a combination of cisplatin and etoposide, a sleeve resection of the left main bronchus with telescoping bronchial anastomosis was performed. LCNEC typically occurs in the peripheral lung field, but here, we report a rare case of LCNEC arising from the left main bronchus. © 2011 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.