Rectal Carcinoid

Carcinoid of the rectum is a slowly growing potentially malignant tumor, metastasizing in 10% to 15% of cases. As compared with the more common adenocarcinoma of the rectum, carcinoid grows much more slowly and is generally considered to be less malignant. In contrast to the principles of treatment for carcinoma of the rectum, the majority of patients with carcinoid of the rectum are cured by local excision of the tumor. Thus, the differentiation between carcinoid and carcinoma of the rectum becomes important. However, the distinction often is very difficult to make, and this fact has prompted a study of carcinoid of the rectum. This report concerns a review of the literature on rectal carcinoid and a review of the experience with the disease at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital. Historical Background and Incidence. —Only six cases of carcinoid of the rectum had been reported until 1942.1 The first case, discovered incidentally