Carcinoid Tumors
|
Carcinoid tumors belong to a larger group of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors (NET's). This broad group of tumors also includes the pancreatic islet cell tumors. Although both carcinoid and pancreatic islet cell tumors share similar morphological features, they secrete different classes of either bioactive amines or peptides, respectively. Carcinoid tumors are the most common form of NET's. The majority of carcinoids arise in the appendix and to a lesser extent in the small bowel, stomach, and duodenum whereas pancreatic islet cell tumors arise predominantly int the panreas. Carcinoid tumors are generally quite rare. Although the majority of patients do not have symptoms associated with the tumor, when flushing and diarrhea occurs, the patient is said to have Carcinoid Syndrome. It is estimated that approximately 10% of patients with carcinoid tumors will develop the syndrome. The overall incidence of carcinoid tumors is approximately 2.0 to 2.5 per 100,000 population. |
 Guidebook on Carcinoid Tumors |
|