Abstract
A small carcinoid was found in the rectum of a 55-year-old man, who had neither subjective symptoms nor the carcinoid syndrome. His serum serotonin level was within normal limits. Under a light microscope, the tumor was found to be a mixed type carcinoid which had infiltrated the submucosal layer, and showed a negative reaction to Grimelius' argyrophil staining. The ultrastructural study indicated that the tumor cells possessed the characteristically round granules and occasional direct contact with unmyelinated nerve fibers. But, no synaptic figure was encountered. Schwann-like cells were often observed surrounding these tumor cell-nerve fiber complexes. These findings may indicate that carcinoids have an affinity to the nervous tissue.
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Osaka, M., Fukuda, Y., Aizawa, K. et al. Ultrastructural study of a rectal carcinoid showing direct contact with nerves. Med Electron Microsc 26, 223–226 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02348006
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02348006