Slide 143: Carcinoid tumor of small bowel
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bowel is actually bent or doubled back on itself, effectively creating a
"kink." This is a real common configuration of the gross specimen with
this condition because of the marked degree of fibrosis that comes with this
lesion. Sometimes the local fibrotic reaction around the tumor will
actually lead to bowel obstruction just from the compression. Anyway,
here you can see the tremendous degree of infiltration of the lamina propria,
muscle and even serosal surface by this tumor. See this slide with the virtual microscope.
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Note the clusters of regular and monotonous looking small ("fried egg like") cells that make up this tumor. There may be marked fibrosis at the site of the lesion. This scarring develops as a result of the hormonal products elaborated by this tumor, serotonin, bradykinin and so forth. Be sure you know what is meant by the term "carcinoid syndrome" and the especially the circumstances in which it will appear. And no it's not just because there's a carcinoid tumor in the ileum. What urinary test is helpful in diagnosing this condition? |