Pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia

Pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia is a proliferation of neuroendocrine cells confined by the bronchial basement membrane.

General

• Common.
• May be seen in the context of diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia.

Microscopic

Features:

• Proliferation of neuroendocrine cells - confined by the basement membrane of the bronchus.
  • Salt and pepper chromatin.

Note:

• They often project into the airway.

DDx:

• Carcinoid tumourlet - extends beyond the basement membrane and less than 5 mm in maximal dimension.

See also

• Neuroendocrine tumours.
• Neuroendocrine markers.
• Lung tumours.