VOLUME 11 , ISSUE 1--4 ( January-December, 2025 ) > List of Articles
Romman Fatima
Keywords : Carcinoids, Case report, Chromogranin, Enterochromaffin-like cells, Serotonin
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10045-00334
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Published Online: 28-02-2025
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Carcinoids are a neuroendocrine subset of tumors derived from enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells that release secretory products such as histamine and serotonin. These are further subclassified into those originating from the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. The majority of them are found in the small intestine (45%), and 35% of these can be bronchial in location. The cells are well-differentiated, with Ki-67 being the proliferative marker index and high staining with potassium chromate. Manifestations range from being incidentally found on regular workup to frank diarrhea, flushing, wheezing due to the development of carcinoid syndrome from metastasis to the liver. Biomarkers such as chromogranin and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acids can serve diagnostic purposes for identifying cells of origin. Overall, these tumors have a better prognosis and can be managed medically with somatostatin analogs, while those causing small bowel obstruction may require surgical interventions.