title: Neuroendocrine tumours (carcinoids) of the appendix.
abstract: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the appendix (formerly 'carcinoids') are rare and are usually detected incidentally after appendectomy. Histopathologically they derive from a subepithelial cell population, which is different from NETs in other sites. They are preferentially located at the tip of the appendix. Tumours <1 cm hardly ever metastasize and are treated by appendectomy. Tumours >2 cm require right hemicolectomy because of a significant risk of metastatic spread. Treatment for lesions 1-2 cm is controversial and needs further characterization of the tumour (i.e. mesoappendiceal invasion, vascular invasion, mitotic activity, proliferation markers) and careful patient risk evaluation. Goblet-cell carcinoids have features resembling both carcinoid and adenocarcinoma and should be treated by hemicolectomy. Overall prognosis of small appendiceal NET is excellent in all ages.
authors.affiliation: Elbe Klinikum Stade, Bremervörderstr. 111, 21684 Stade, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stinner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rothmund
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001063:Appendiceal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome