The carcinoid of the intestine.

From 1956 to 1985, 38 patients with a carcinoid of the intestine were treated. Tumours originating from the duodenum, ileum and colon had the worst prognosis. Fourteen out of 15 patients showed lymph-node metastases, and eight liver secondaries. Metastatic spread was rare (9%) if the primary tumour was small or an incidental finding (appendix). Even with metastatic spread there may be a longer survival due to the slow growth pattern of carcinoid metastases, which often become manifest several years after resection of the primary tumour. Metachronous liver metastases should be considered for surgical resection. Three of the 38 patients suffered from a carcinoid syndrome.