Terminal ileum carcinoid - well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (pathology)

Case contributed by Andrew Ryan
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Presents with obstructive symptoms. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Macroscopic:

  • right hemicolectomy photograph includes segment of terminal ileum, cecum and ascending colon with tumor just visible in the distal terminal ileum
  • the tumor is
    • 18 mm in diameter 
    • mucosally based
    • pale, homogeneous 
    • shows extension into subserosal tissue (Nb the muscularis propria is invaded rather than destroyed and is seen as a 'C' shaped band of tissue within the tumor nodule)  

Histology:

  • the tumor forms variably sized, well circumscribed nests ('insular' pattern) 
  • high power shows 
    • uniform cells
    • rounded nuclei
    • granular chromatin (so-called 'salt and pepper' chromatin). 

Case Discussion

This is good example of a terminal ileal carcinoid, now more commonly referred to as well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. This lesion was staged as pT3 N1 (with lymph node metastases in 4 of 11 local lymph nodes.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.