What is a carcinoid tumor in the liver?

Carcinoid tumours of the liver are predominantly metastases from the gastrointestinal tract. Primary hepatic carcinoids are extremely rare. Discussion. In contrast to metastases, primary hepatic carcinoids are usually solitary and resectable. It is important that these tumours are differentiated from metastases.

Can carcinoid tumors start in the liver?

For example, if a gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid tumor spreads to the liver, the tumor cells in the liver are actually GI carcinoid tumor cells. The disease is metastatic GI carcinoid tumor, not liver cancer.

Where does carcinoid cancer start?

Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. Carcinoid tumors, which are one subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum) or in the lungs.

Is a carcinoid tumor considered cancer?

Carcinoid tumor is a rare type of tumor that usually grows slowly. Carcinoid tumors are cancerous, but have been called cancer in slow motion, because if you have a carcinoid tumor, you may have it for many years and never know it.

How long do you live with carcinoid cancer?

Overall, people with carcinoid tumours have a good life expectancy compared to many other cancers, with around 70-80% surviving at least five years from diagnosis. Many people remain relatively well and lead active lives, with only occasional symptoms.

What is a Grade 1 neuroendocrine tumour?

Grade 1 (also called low-grade or well-differentiated) neuroendocrine tumors have cells that look more like normal cells and are not multiplying quickly . Grade 2 (also called intermediate-grade or moderately differentiated) tumors have features in between those of low- and high-grade (see below) tumors.

What causes carcinoid cancer?

The exact cause of carcinoid cancer is unknown. Cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally and out of control, instead of dividing in an orderly manner. Researchers believe that carcinoid cancer may be linked to a genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).

Is there a cure for carcinoid syndrome?

Carcinoid Syndrome Treatment. There is currently no cure for Carcinoid Syndrome. Even if your cancer therapy reduces the size of your tumor, you may still be experiencing Carcinoid Syndrome.

What causes carcinoid syndrome?

Carcinoid syndrome is caused by a carcinoid tumor that secretes serotonin or other chemicals into your bloodstream. Carcinoid tumors occur most commonly in the lungs or in the gastrointestinal tract, including your stomach, small intestine, appendix, colon and rectum.