[Reevaluation of the term "carcinoid"--how to deal with this misnomer]

In the present review, the malignant entity of so-called carcinoid is discussed from three points of view: [I] The earliest extraglandular(intramucosal) invasion of neoplastic cells following a focal penetration of the basement membrane of a gastric gland in the form of a "budding phenomenon", confirmed on multiple consecutive serial sections. [II] Reevaluation of the original diagram of the submucosal tumor, that is a result of invasion from the original site in the mucosa. [III] Analysis of human materials on metastasis rates at the stage of submucosal-nodule formation in the stomach and rectum. It is confirmed that carcinoid is a malignant epithelial neoplasm at its origin, and that the term carcinoid is a misnomer. Recognizing such an entity, it is emphasized that this nomenclature should be preserved for a future research activities, while the other nomenclature more adequate and generally acceptable for this neoplasm should be world-widely sought. The author's proposal is that the two terms are best expressed using parentheses; e.g. endocrinocarcinoma (carcinoid) or vice versa.