Carcinoid Tumour of Caecum: an Unusual Palpable Mass in the Right Iliac Fossa

Abstract

Carcinoid tumour represents 0.8-1.5 % of malignant digestive tumours. Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoids account for 95 % of all the carcinoids, and caecal carcinoids account for 5 % of all the carcinoids. These tumours are frequent in women (2-4:1) as reported by Spallitta and Termine (Minerva Chir 55:77-87, 2002). In order of frequency, they may occur in the appendix (35 %), ileum (28 %), rectum (13 %) and bronchi. Incidence is less than 1 % in the pancreas, gall bladder, liver, larynx, testes and ovaries. The colon and ileocaecal region are rare sites of origin for gastrointestinal carcinoids as reported by Soga (J Exp Clin Cancer Res 17:139-48, 1998). They remain asymptomatic for years and many a times are diagnosed endoscopically, intraoperatively or during autopsy, based on their histopathological findings. We present a rare case of caecal carcinoid.

A Very Rare Case of a Retrospectively Diagnosed Iliocecal Neuroendocrine Tumor

“…Incidental autopsy findings are common in asymptomatic patients (6). Although many organs are involved, majority of neuroendocrine tumors are found in the GIT (3)(4)(5), and approximately 70%-80% cases are those of GIT neuroendocrine tumors (1,7). Of all secretions from neuroendocrine tumors, serotonin is a major bioactive substance (1,2).…”

“…Majority of them are found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT); however, they can also be rarely seen in other organs (1,3,4). Neuroendocrine tumors in the ileum tend to be more aggressive and have poorer prognosis than those at other locations (5).…”

“…Neuroendocrine tumors, previously known as carcinoid tumors, are slow-growing tumors originating from neuroendocrine cells capable of metastasis (1,2). Majority of them are found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT); however, they can also be rarely seen in other organs (1,3,4). Neuroendocrine tumors in the ileum tend to be more aggressive and have poorer prognosis than those at other locations (5).…”