Sajan Thomas, MD

Carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumors. More than 75% of patients present with cutaneous flushing and diarrhea. About 8% of these tumors occur in the colon. Carcinoid tumors are recognized by their histologic patterns seen on Masson's stain, Grimelius'stain, and immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Evidence of the elevation of 2 biochemical markers?plasma chromogranin A and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid?is usually sufficient for diagnosis. This article discusses the diagnosis, localization, and current and investigational treatment options for carcinoids of the colon.