Pathology: Tumourof enterochromaffin cells of neural crest secreting 5-hydroxytriptamine
Location: Appendix (45%), ileum (30%), rectum(20%), ovary/testis (5%)
80% tumours >2cmmetastasize
Aetiology: Commonestneuroendocrine tumour.
Peak age >30 years
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, wheeze
Signs: Flushing,right-sided heart valve disease, peripheral oedema
Investigations: Urine: 24 hour collection for 5-hyroxyindoleaceticacid
Imaging: CT/MRI to locate tumour
Treatment: Medical: Ocreotide (blocks tumourmediators and reduces peripheral effects)
and 5-HTantagonists
Surgical: Resectionof tumour, chemotherapy
Complications: Heart failure, livermetastasis
Prognosis: 5 year survival – 95% forlocal disease
