Cytologic imprints of giant atypical bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumor of the lung with extensive oncocytic component.

Bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors are found in less than 2 of 100,000 people yearly and comprise approximately 1-2% of all lung neoplasms. They are usually diagnosed in the fifth decade of life and occur more frequently in women. Most are central and endobronchial in location. The symptoms presented are those associated with bronchial obstruction, such as coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea. Over one-third of patients are asymptomatic and have an incidentally detected peripheral pulmonary nodule. Diagnosis is usually made by bronchoscopy with bronchial brushings or biopsy. We present the cytologic imprint findings of a case of a 66-year-old man with an atypical giant bronchopulmonary carcinoid with extensive oncocytic component, who underwent a total right pneumonectomy.