Primary Typical Carcinoid of The Pleura, A Rare Incidental Finding

Roughly 30% of carcinoids are found in the thoracic cavity, with the overwhelming majority of these being found in the lung parenchyma. We present a case of a rarely found primary pleural carcinoid incidentally diagnosed in a 73 year old male who presented with recalcitrant spontaneous pneumothorax requiring surgical intervention. The patient was taken to the operating room for a right video assisted thoracic surgery, partial pleurectomy, and talc pleurodesis. At the time of the operation, there were no abnormalities noted in the pleura or chest wall, and the patient did well post operatively. Pathologic examination of the pleura revealed a 3mm well differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor. Laboratory and imaging studies did not indicate another site of tumor. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance is emphasized.