Les tumeurs endocrines rectocoliques: particularités anatomocliniques et thérapeutiques

Abstract

Background: Endocrine tumours of the gastro-intestinal tract are rare and predominate in the small intestine and in the appendix, less commonly in the colon and the rectum.Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze clinical and pathologic features of an endocrine tumour of the colon and the rectum diagnosed in the Department of Pathology (Sousse, Tunisia).Methods: Five cases were diagnosed between 1992 and 2006 in our hospital unit. The medical records of the affected patients were analyzed. The pathological material was reviewed and the tumours were classified according to 2000 WHO classification.Results: The study population consisted of 2 male and 3 female patients. Their median age was 55 years. Two poorly differentiated endocrine carcinomas of the colon, and one colic and two rectal well differentiated endocrine carcinoma were identified.Conclusion: This study illustrates the importance of adequately diagnosing endocrine tumours because their treatment and prognosis are different from those of conventional carcinoma.