Argentaffin-cell tumour of Meckel's diverticulum. A report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

Abstract

Abstract Two patients with argentaffin carcinoma (carcinoid tumour) of Meckel's diverticulum are described and the literature is reviewed. Only 45 previous cases have been reported. In both patients the primary tumour had metastasized by the time the diagnosis was made. The first patient developed the carcinoid syndrome 3 months after removal of the tumour but he is alive and well over 5 years later. The findings in these 2 patients add further support to the view that a carcinoid in a Meckel's diverticulum behaves like that in the small bowel rather than that in the appendix, with an appreciable (21 per cent) incidence of metastasis. The recommended treatment, therefore, should be similar to that of small intestinal carcinoid, namely, wide excision of intestine with a wedge of mesentery. Furthermore, prophylactic resection of Meckel's diverticulum is recommended whenever possible to eliminate the possibility of subsequent development of this tumour.