Onkologie. 2009:3(6):336-342

Carcinoid Tumors

MUDr. Jaroslava Barkmanová

Onkologická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze

Carcinoid tumors belong among the most common occurred tumors of neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Incidence of these tumors has

increased in recent years. In light of their hormonal activity carcinoid tumors form very various and heterogeneous group. Neuroendocrine

enterochromaffin cells (EC cells) are their base, which occurred dispersionly in different anatomic body parts, primary in guts and

main bronchus submucous. For the most part it deals about growing tumors with relatively indolent course. Carcinoid tumors are used

to be diagnosed late, in many cases as already disseminated disease. Carcinoid tumors can proceed inaparently for longer. They can

manifest by carcinoid syndrome (in the case of endocrine functional tumors). Clinical manifestations are dependent on type of hormonal

active substance spectrum, serotonin and its metabolite especially. Prognosis and treatment of carcinoid tumors are dependent on many

factors, including size, localization, age and histologic characteristic. Surgical treatment is still one of the curative therapy. Somatostatin

analogues have unique place in biological therapy. Advances in research, concerning target therapy, bring new knowledge of options

to regulate tumor growth. In the future they are a promise of possible therapy individualization.

Keywords: carcinoid, enterochromaffin cells, carcinoid syndrome, somatostatin analogues.

Published: January 1, 2010  Show citation