A CASE OF PRIMARY CARCINOID TUMOR OF THE MESENTERY

Abstract

We report a rare case of primary carcinoid tumor of the mesentery. A 73-year-old woman with early stage sigmoid colon carcinoma was seen at the hospital because of close examination before operation. Abdominal CT scan revealed a tumor measured 3.5cm in diameter at the right lower quadrant of abdomen. Magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a solid mass that moved in the position in comparison with CT finding. On a contrast ileography, there was no tumor or stenosis in the small intestine. A mesenteric tumor was suggested and a laparotomy was performed. The tumor was about 4cm in diameter in the mesentery at the ileocecal region without invasion to circumference and was separated from the gastrointestinal tract. There were no abnormal findings in the ileum and cecum and no lymph node swelling in the mesentery near the mass. Extirpation of the tumor was performed easily. Pathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as carcinoid tumor, and tumor cells were positive on immunohistochemical stainings such as neuron specific enolase and chromogranin. On a thoracic CT scan after the operation, no mass image was revealed in the lungs or mediastinum. Therefore, this tumor was diagnosed as primary carcinoid tumor of the mesentery.