Carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

Summary Fifty-four cases of carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are reported. Thirty-two involved the appendix; nine, the small intestine; three, the ileocecal area; four, the colon; four, the rectum, and one each, the stomach and duodenum. In one patient, the site of origin was not established. The historic backgrounds, pathologic descriptions, incidences, ages of the patients, and locations of the lesions are presented. Methods for diagnosis and treatment, according to the location of the primary lesion, are proposed, and special emphasis is directed to resection of all regional metastases. Reference is made to the carcinoid syndrome, which occurs in the presence of widespread metastasis and involvement of the liver and circulating serotonin.