Abstract: Thymic carcinoid is a rare neoplasm with unclear risk factors and controversial classifications. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to many nonspecific symptoms, among which endocrinopathy seems to be associated with poor prognosis. Image studies show no specificity both in CT and PET/CT, but are of great value in clinical staging. Ki67 has been found to be a powerful tool for grading neuroendocrine tumors and further studies should be made. The diagnosis of thymic carcinoid mainly depends on pathology and immunohistochemistry plays a role in differential diagnosis. Radical resection is the first choice in treatment, and target therapy becomes possible with the development in molecular pathology.

Key words: Thymic carcinoid, diagnosis and treatment strategy, Ki67