A carcinoid tumor of the ileum. A case report and a brief review of the relevant literature. Case report
Borghol, M.; Ericsson, B.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica 155(10): 557-559
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5482 PMID: 2603613 Document Number: 334617
An unusual case of carcinoid tumor of the ileum is presented where a metastatic deposit in the spine was removed 10 years before the primary lesion could be detected. The primary tumor was 3 cm in diameter with a hepatic metastasis, however, the patient was completely asymptomatic, and the lesions were only discovered accidentally. The discussion illustrates the diagnostic difficulties of small bowel carcinoids and that surgery as the only curative treatment has a role to play even in advanced stages. Understanding the pathological basis of this uncommon tumor is essential for the choice of most appropriate treatment.