Large spindle cell variant of peripheral bronchial carcinoid tumor.

I report a case of peripheral bronchial carcinoid tumor composed of bundles of large spindle cells, very much resembling cells of smooth muscle or neural tumors. Despite the unusual appearance, argyrophil staining and electron microscopic examination demonstrated small secretory granules of the type found in other peripheral carcinoid tumors. The histologic heterogeneity of peripheral bronchial carcinoid tumors is emphasized.