This histological slide was taken from the terminal ileum of a 50 year old man presenting as an emergency with a terminal ileal stricture and small bowel obstruction. Liver metastases were noted at operation. The initial clinical impression was that the primary tumour was an adenocarcinoma. Standard histological examination, supplemented with neuroendocrine stains, however showed it to be a carcinoid tumour.
Carcinoid tumours are rare neuroendocrine lesions.
Approximately 1000 cases are seen each year in the United Kingdom. Most arise from the gastrointestinal tract. Tumours can also arise from the bronchial tree. In most series a firm diagnosis has not been established before an operative procedure has been performed. They often present with vague right-sided abdominal pain.