Gastroenterology · UKMLA & AKT
Colorectal neuroendocrine tumours
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Arise from enterochromaffin (Kulchitsky) cells of the gut - formerly called 'carcinoid tumours'
- Rectum is the most common colorectal site; many small rectal NETs found incidentally on colonoscopy
- Carcinoid syndrome = hepatic (or distant) metastases until proven otherwise - serotonin bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism
Right-sided cardiac disease (tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis) occurs because the pulmonary bed inactivates serotonin before it reaches the left heart - mitral/aortic involvement is rare.
Unlock the full Colorectal neuroendocrine tumours revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (4 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), practice questions, mock exams and Sal, the AI tutor. Start free.