Abstract

Carcinoid tumors originate from the enterochromaffin cells. Rectal carcinoid tumors comprise 12.6% of all carcinoid tumors and they represent the third largest group of the gut carcinoids. However, a recent report showed that the number of reported cases has increases rapidly, which is probably due to the increased number of colonoscopic examinations. The aggressiveness of rectal carcinoid tumors is determined by the depth of invasion and the presence of metastasis. The clinical course of rectal carcinoid is benign, but these tumors may have a malignant character when the lesion is larger than 2 cm in diameter. We have experienced a case of rectal carcinoid tumor smaller than 2 cm in diameter and the patient had multiple liver metastasis. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2009;38:103-106)

• Keywords: Carcinoid tumor, Rectum, Metastasis, Liver