[Therapy of carcinoids of the stomach]

Carcinoids of the stomach are rare but have gained importance since the introduction of acid secretion inhibitors. The most important type is the tumor occurring in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis with and without pernicious anemia. The tumors are benign and can be treated by local endoscopic or surgical methods. Antrectomy reduces hypergastrinemia and may cause regression of the tumor. Sporadic carcinoids of the gastric antrum are malignant, however, and require radical surgical treatment.