Klin Onkol 2009; 22(5): 195-201.
Summary
Rectal neuroendocrine tumours (carcinoids) belong to the hindgut carcinoid group, according
to older classification. They are not associated with carcinoid syndrome. Colonoscopy is a gold
standard for detecting rectal carcinoids. Endosonography is important for assessing rectal carcinoid growth. CT colonography and 111In-octreotide scanning is required for staging if residual
or metastatic disease is suspected. Serum chromogranin A and acid phosphatase are necessary
biochemical markers. Local resection is sufficient for small tumours, anterior resection for rectal tumours > 2 cm is appropriate. There is no evidence base for adjuvant therapy. Patients with
rectal carcinoids < 2 cm have a very good prognosis with long‑term survival.
