Carcinoid of the stomach: a case report and review of 100 cases reported in Japan

Abstract

A case of carcinoid of the stomach is described and a review of 100 patients with carcinoid of the stomach reported in Japan up to 1980 is made. Of the 100 cases, the male to female ratio was 2.54. Typical clinical manifestations of the carcinoid syndrome were quite rare. Metastases to the liver were observed in 76% of cases with tumours larger than 5 cm in diameter. The liver and lymph nodes were common sites of metastases. Carcinoids arising from the anterior wall of the stomach also showed a high incidence of metastasis. As a result of histochemical examinations, it was revealed that the nonreactive cell type was found in 31% of cases, while the argentaffin cell type was found in only 10%. Confirmation of the diagnosis of carcinoid is sometimes difficult. Occasionally, therefore, electron-microscopic demonstration of specific secretory granules becomes essential for the final diagnosis.