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Carcinoid tumors: development of our knowledge
1Department of Medicine, Georg August University, Robert Koch Street 40, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany.
World Journal of Surgery
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Carcinoid tumors are rare, less aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasms. Their prognosis depends on size, site, and hormone dependence, not peptide expression, with carcinoid syndrome occurring rarely with liver metastases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Carcinoids are morphologically distinct, rare intestinal tumors with endocrine features.
- Historically, they were considered less aggressive than adenocarcinomas.
- The WHO classification defines carcinoids within the diffuse neuroendocrine system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the definition and characteristics of carcinoid tumors.
- To identify prognostic factors for their natural history.
- To describe the occurrence and presentation of the carcinoid syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and WHO classifications.
- Analysis of morphological and immunohistochemical features.
- Identification of predictive parameters for natural history.
Main Results:
- Carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumors with specific growth patterns and marker expression.
- Prognostic factors include tumor size, site, growth pattern, and hormone dependence.
- Neuropeptide/amine expression does not predict malignant behavior.
- Carcinoid syndrome affects 1.6% of patients, primarily with liver metastases.
Conclusions:
- Carcinoid tumors are a specific subclass of neuroendocrine neoplasms.
- Tumor characteristics, not secreted substances, determine prognosis.
- Carcinoid syndrome is a rare complication linked to metastatic disease.