[Solitary hepatic carcinoid tumor in a man with prior treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma. Rapid growth without carcinoid syndrome]

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004 Mar;27(3):125-8. doi: 10.1016/s0210-5705(03)79109-2.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

We describe a case of hepatic carcinoid tumor that was diagnosed after right hepatectomy. The tumor was initially believed to be metastases from a rectal adenocarcinoma for which surgery had been performed seven years earlier. We highlight the localization of the tumor in the liver only, its large size and rapid growth, as well as the absence of carcinoid syndrome. Diagnostic studies of function and localization are presented. The absence of neoplasia in other locations suggested that this neoplasm was probably a primary hepatic carcinoid tumor. The association of carcinoid tumors with other neoplasms is well-known. However, because of our patient's history and the absence of symptoms, the preoperative diagnosis was incorrect. The definitive diagnosis was confirmed by pathological analysis, allowing specific studies of function and localization to be performed and therapeutic and follow-up measures to be adopted. Although surgery plays a crucial role in the treatment of these tumors, it should be performed in the context of the multidisciplinary management recommended for this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / secondary
  • Adenocarcinoma* / surgery
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Hepatectomy / methods
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary*
  • Rectal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed