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Metastatic carcinoid tumour: stability throughout pregnancy
1University of Queensland Department of Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Extensive carcinoid tumor liver metastases in an asymptomatic patient showed no progression for over 4 years without treatment. Disease stability was maintained throughout a normal pregnancy, indicating a potentially indolent tumor course.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine neoplasms that can metastasize, primarily to the liver.
- Hepatic metastases from carcinoid tumors can lead to significant morbidity.
- The natural history and progression of asymptomatic hepatic carcinoid metastases are not fully elucidated.
Observation:
- A patient presented with asymptomatic, histologically confirmed, extensive hepatic metastases from a carcinoid tumor.
- The patient received no specific treatment for the hepatic metastases.
- Disease status was monitored over a period exceeding 4 years.
Findings:
- No progression of the hepatic metastases was observed for over 4 years.
- Tumor burden remained stable throughout a normal pregnancy, assessed by clinical evaluation, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and biochemical markers.
- This suggests a potentially indolent or non-progressive nature of the carcinoid metastases in this specific case.
Implications:
- Asymptomatic hepatic carcinoid metastases may exhibit a prolonged period of stability without intervention.
- Pregnancy does not necessarily accelerate the progression of stable hepatic carcinoid metastases.
- This case highlights the importance of individualized patient monitoring and may inform treatment strategies for selected patients with indolent neuroendocrine tumors.