Carcinoid? What is it?

Posted By D.J. on November 12, 1998 at 23:49:51:







I was curious to find out what a carcinoid tumor was.  How common are these as a cause for ongoing abdominal pain?  I was also curious if a carcinoid tumor can be diagnosed on any x-rays like the cat scan or other high tech imagery?
My reason for asking is that i have an inter abdominal lesion that my doctors said is "suspicious for carcinoid tumor".  This carcinoid was found via cat scan, but i have sence heard that a cat scan can not differentiate carcinoids from other abdominal cavity tumors or even cysts?
Your thoughts a greatly appreciated as i hate to rush into surgery for something that may be nothing, especially when i feel healthier than i ever have!  Thank you Dr.!