Carcinoids is a medical term used to describe a type of slow-growing cancer that arises from cells called neuroendocrine cells, typically in the gastrointestinal tract. The IPA phonetic transcription of Carcinoids is /kɑrˈsɪnɔɪdz/, where the stress is on the second syllable. The "c" and "s" sounds are pronounced separately, with the "c" being pronounced as "k". The "oi" diphthong in the second syllable is pronounced as "oy", and the "ds" ending is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound.
Carcinoids are a type of slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors that typically arise from various types of endocrine cells found throughout the body. These tumors are considered to be a subset of neuroendocrine tumors as they share similar characteristics and origins. Carcinoids can form in different areas of the body, including the gastrointestinal system, lungs, and reproductive organs.
In terms of their biological behavior, carcinoids tend to be low-grade malignancies, meaning they have a relatively indolent growth rate. While these tumors are generally slow-growing, they have the ability to secrete various hormones and bioactive substances, leading to distinct clinical presentations. This can include symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, abdominal pain, wheezing, and secondary hormonal disorders.
Diagnosing carcinoids typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, as well as laboratory tests to measure hormone levels. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options may vary depending on factors such as tumor localization, size, and spreading. Surgical removal of the tumor is often the preferred treatment, but additional therapies such as somatostatin analogs, chemotherapy, and targeted medications may be used to manage symptoms and slow down tumor growth.
Regular follow-up examinations are necessary even after successful treatment due to the possibility of tumor recurrence or metastasis. While most carcinoids have a favorable prognosis, certain cases may show aggressive behavior and may require advanced treatment options.
The word "carcinoid" is derived from the Greek words "karkinos" (meaning crab) and "-oid" (meaning "similar to" or "resembling"). The term was coined by German pathologist Friedrich Feyrter in 1907 to describe a type of tumor that resembled a crab, specifically referring to its growth pattern and appearance under the microscope. Carcinoid tumors were initially believed to be benign, but later research showed that they can be malignant and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.