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What Is Rectal Carcinoid?

Rectal carcinoids are malignant tumors that usually form in the large intestine, near the rectum (the portion of the intestine immediately adjacent to the anus). These tumors often are detected in the course of treating a bowel obstruction complaint. As with all cancers, it is important to work closely with your physician when exploring treatment options.

  1. Identification

    • Carcinoids, also known as endocrine tumors and neuroendocrine tumors, generally affect the hormone-producing areas of the lower torso, and can also manifest themselves in the appendix, testicles, ovaries, pancreas and ovaries.

    Primary Symptoms

    • Common symptoms of rectal carcinoids include abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms are largely a result of tumor growth, which alters the way in which the intestines handle waste. Additionally, these kinds of carcinoids release hormones that enter the bloodstream and can cause secondary symptoms.

    Secondary symptoms

    • As the hormones released by the carcinoids reach soft tissues, they can cause rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, wheezing, tearing (production of tears or lachrymosis), and swelling of the eyes (puffiness that does not abate). Also, the face and neck may appear "flushed" or reddened because of the increase in hormones.

    Detection

    • Detection of carcinoids usually occurs during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If the carcinoid is located only in the rectum, it is considered a "local" tumor that is much easier to treat. "Regional" tumors are more difficult to treat, because they have spread beyond the rectum's wall and may have invaded nearby tissues. "Distant" is another name for tumors that have metastasized and spread throughout the system of the patient.

    Treatment

    • Rectal carcinoids are rare. Small tumors (those less than 2 cm) are very unlikely to metastasize (less than 2 percent chance), but larger tumors are highly likely to spread. Tumors larger than 2 cm have a 50 to 60 percent chance of spreading. Tumors are often successfully treated through surgery. New, cutting-edge treatments include electrofulguration, which uses electricity to burn the tumor, killing it.

      In the case of regional and distant tumors, surgery is used to remove as much of the affected tissue as possible, but physicians usually suggest other treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, especially if they suspect the cancer has spread to the liver or other vital organs.

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