An Analysis of Rare Carcinoid Tumors: Clarifying These Clinical Conundrums

Carcinoid tumors are distinct neuroendocrine neoplasms with characteristic histological, clinical, and biological properties. Though commonly associated with the gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system, a substantial number of these tumors originate in less common anatomical sites and can range from indolent, unrecognized entities to highly active, metastatic secretory tumors. Their presentation within unfamiliar locations often results in clinical confusion, and they persist as unrecognized lesions, subjecting patients to delayed, inappropriate, or ineffective treatment. The authors reviewed 13,715 carcinoid tumors identified by three consecutive registries of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 1950 to 1999, focusing on the anatomic sites accounting for less than one percent of all carcinoids. In addition, data from the worlds literature published on carcinoid tumors within these particular anatomic locations were then analyzed with respect to incidence, clinical presentation, symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings, treatment strategies, and prognosis. The primary organs in which carcinoids are most commonly mistaken for some of the more conspicuous endemic tumors include the esophagus, pancreas, liver, biliary tract, gallbladder, and Meckels diverticulum, as well as within the pelvic and otolaryngeal organs and the breast. In general, the highest proportion of rare carcinoids was identified in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with the ovary as the single most affected extra-GI site. Tumors with the worst prognosis were those that involved the pancreas (37.5%: 5-year survival) and those in the cervix (12-33%: 3-year survival). While gastrointestinal carcinoids have become a more recognized entity and thus more amenable to identification, similar lesions are often not considered in other sites and have often either been overlooked or misdiagnosed. Widespread reports of their occurrence in rare locations warrants attention. The diminution of the likelihood of inadvertently neglecting these often benign, indolent neoplasms that are well known to metastasize if unaddressed would represent an important advance. Familiarity with such unusual sites of origin will facilitate appropriate recognition and characterization of such tumors, allowing for timely intervention.     

Chronic upper limb pain: an exploration of the biopsychosocial model

OBJECTIVE: To model pain intensity and consequent disability by independent physical, psychological, and social variables in a group of patients with chronic upper limb pain. METHODS: We studied a group of 73 hospital outpatients with either chronic work related diffuse upper limb pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. We assessed pain intensity, disability, and personality by self-rated questionnaires; and psychiatric morbidity by a standardized interview. We measured illness behavior by assessing coping strategies, illness beliefs, financial benefits, and movements of the most affected limb. RESULTS: In both pain conditions, disability was positively correlated with present pain intensity, depression, helpless coping style, and receipt of state financial benefits; and was negatively correlated with age. This explained 43% of the variance and correctly classified 85% of all patients. Present pain intensity was positively correlated with both depression and the number of arm movements at night. This model explained 15% of the variance and correctly classified 75% of all patients. Inclusion of diagnostic group has no effect on these models. CONCLUSION: The correlations between disability and pain intensity with both psychosocial and physical factors support the biopsychosocial model of disability in particular, and pain to a lesser extent, irrespective of the diagnosis.