: Carcinoid tumours of unknown origin (CUO) are rare and account for only 10% of carcinoid tumours (1). Utilisation of 68-gallium Dotatate positron emission computerised tomography (PET-CT) offers increased sensitivity and characterization of CUO, compared to traditional Octreotide scans (2). Development of this may allow investigation into the mesentery as a potential primary site. A 55-year-old woman was referred with a 4-month history of proctalgia and obstructive defecation. Digital rectal examination (DRE) revealed a posterior retro-rectal mass. Computerised tomography (CT), biopsy and octreotide scan along with elevated serum chromogranin A levels confirmed a carcinoid mass in the mesorectum, distinct from the bowel wall. Laparoscopic ultra-low anterior resection with ileostomy formation was performed. Eighteen months post-operatively, surveillance CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis (TAP) highlighted an enlarged lymph node in the right external iliac chain, which was positive on gallium PET-CT. Following multidisciplinary (MDT) discussion, a laparoscopic right obturator lymph node resection was undertaken after which post-operative histology confirmed metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour. Management of CUO is challenging and as such should be individualized with an MDT-based approach. The mesenteric organ should be considered as a potential primary site in the setting of mesenteric carcinoid when no other primary focus is identifiable. Future guidelines should reflect this.
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