Endocrine tumors of the duodenum. Clinical characteristics and hormone content.

Nineteen patients with primary duodenal carcinoid were analysed retrospectively, and eight of the tumors were immunocytochemically examined. One tumor contained somatostatin, two tumors gastrin, two tumors both these peptides, and one tumor contained serotonin. In two tumors no peptide or amine could be demonstrated. Eight patients had ulcer symptoms and nine had gallstone disease. Only four patients had metastatic spread in spite of long delay. Five-year survival was 75% in 12 operated patients. No patient died of the tumor per se. It is concluded that a simple excision seems justified when the tumor is smaller than 2 cm, while probably more extensive surgery is needed when the tumor is larger or when there is local spread. Modern techniques of histofluorescence and immunocytochemistry facilitating a more precise classification will probably result in a better understanding as to symptomatology, prognosis, and making possible better treatment in the heterogenous group of carcinoid tumors.