18. Neuroendocrine tumours

Question 1

what are carcinoid tumours and where are they most commonly found?

Answer 1

diverse group of tumours of enterochromaffin cell (neural crest) origin, capable of producing 5HT.

appendix, ileum, rectum, elsewhere in GI tract, ovary, testis, bronchi.

Question 2

what is carcinoid syndrome?

Answer 2

only occurs if there are liver metastases.
spontaneous red-blue flushing mainly on face and neck (kinis), pulmonary stenosis/tricuspid incompetence (5-HT), hepatomegaly.

tumours secrete serotonin, kinin, histamine, prostaglandins.

Question 3

how would you treat carcinoid syndrome?

Answer 3

somatostatin analogues - ocreotide and lanreotide.

resection of primary tumour.