Carcinoid tumors are arisen from enterochromaffin cells, which are scattered throughout the body but occur primarily in the submucosa of the intestine and brpnchi. Carcinoid tumors synthesises numerous bioactive amines such as serotonin, and cause the carcinoid syndrome. Rectal carcinoids present as asymptomatic submucosal nodules less than 2cm in size. In contrast to other carcinoid tumors, distant metastasis are rare(less than 15%). Malignant potential is seen almost exclusively in patients with tumors larger than 2cm. Transanal local excision suffices for tumors less than 2cm, with radical surgery reserved only for larger tumors and those with histological evidence of invasion of the muscularis propria. I have experienced two cases of rectal carcinoid tumors less than 2cm, which do not invade the muscular wall of the rectum. These carcinoids were treated with endoscopic polypectomy.
Amines ; Carcinoid Tumor* ; Enterochromaffin Cells ; Humans ; Intestines ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Rectum* ; Serotonin