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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Carciniod Tumor
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Carciniod Tumor
by mcaseyw, Jan 19, 2006 12:00AM
Hello! I am a 32 yr old female. 3 years ago I had a colonoscopy due to minor bleeding with stools (after the colonoscop. the Dr said it was likely from small hemmeroids). However, they found a small 3mm polyp in my rectum that they removed and byopsied. They cam back and told me it was a carciniod tumor and that they removed it all and not to be worried (of course I was terrified that I had cancer). They told me to have another colonoscp. in 3 years (which is now). I can help but be SO scared that it has spread or gotten worse or another will be there. I have had no symptoms, but have heard that these tumors can cause no symptoms. What are the chances of any of these actually happening? Can they reoccur? What's the likleyhood? Is it better that it was only 3mm? Any info is helpful. I am the mom to 2 small kids and am terrified that something bad could happen! Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 21, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 21, 2006 12:00AM
Carcinoid tumors are characterized by slow growth. The prognosis of carcinoid tumors is based on the size, invasiveness and microscopic characteristics (histology).
5-year survival rates are as follows:
* Localized tumors (no spread) — 94 percent
* Spread to the lymph nodes — 64 percent
* Widely spread tumors — ranged from 0 to 27 percent
A single tumor of 3mm has a good prognosis - however, continued surveillence and followup with a gastroenterologist is needed to ensure there is no recurrence.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
5-year survival rates are as follows:
* Localized tumors (no spread) — 94 percent
* Spread to the lymph nodes — 64 percent
* Widely spread tumors — ranged from 0 to 27 percent
A single tumor of 3mm has a good prognosis - however, continued surveillence and followup with a gastroenterologist is needed to ensure there is no recurrence.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Thanks!