Carcinoid tumor of the appendix: A consecutive series from 1237 appendectomies

in World Journal of Gastroenterology (2006), 12(41), 6699-6701

AIM: To report the experience of the CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Belgium, in the management of appendiceal carinoid tumor. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1237 appendectomies performed in one ... [more ▼]

AIM: To report the experience of the CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Belgium, in the management of appendiceal carinoid tumor. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1237 appendectomies performed in one single centre from January 2000 to May 2004, was undertaken. Analysis of demographic data, clinical presentation, histopathology, operative reports and outcome was presented. RESULTS: Among the 1237 appendectomies, 5 appendiceal carcinoid tumors were identified (0.4%) in 4 male and 1 female patients, with a mean age of 29.2 years (range: 6-82 years). Acute appendicitis was the clinical presentation for all patients. Four patients underwent open appendectomy and one a laparoscopic procedure. One patient was reoperated to complete the excision of mesoappendix. All tumors were located at the tip of the appendix with a mean diameter of 0.6 cm (range: 0.3-1.0 cm). No adjuvant therapy was performed. All patients were alive and disease-free during a mean follow-up of 33 mo. CONCLUSION: Appendiceal carcinoid tumor most often presents as appendicitis. In most cases, it is found incidentally during appendectomies and its diagnosis is rarely suspected before histological examination. Appendiceal carcinoid tumor can be managed by simple appendectomy and resection of the mesoappendix, if its size is <= 1 cm. (C) 2006 The WJG Press. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

L'image du mois. Tumeur de Merkel : reponse majeure a la chimiotherapie. "Il n'y a pas que la neige qui fond au soleil"...

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2004), 59(2), 67-8

Liver resection for noncolorectal, nonneuroendocrine metastases

in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (2003), 103(5), 458-462

In noncolorectal, nonendocrine liver metastases, the role of surgery is less define than in colorectal or neuroendocrine cancer. This role is marginal as liver is not the primary site of metastases of ... [more ▼]

In noncolorectal, nonendocrine liver metastases, the role of surgery is less define than in colorectal or neuroendocrine cancer. This role is marginal as liver is not the primary site of metastases of these cancers. Less than 2 to 5% of the patients with these malignancies might be one day considered as potential candidates for liver resection, as most patients suffer from extra hepatic tumour spread at the time they develop liver involvement. However, in these few cases with liver metastases only, as no other therapeutic option may provide mid- or long-term tumour-free survival, liver resection is indicated in resectable liver metastases. Some prognostic factors have been established in the literature from the few published series : unique versus multiple hepatic metastases, unilobar vs bilobar, metachronous vs synchronous, R0 vs R1 or R2 liver resections. The type of primary tumour is also of great importance, as cutaneous melanoma, pancreatic and gastric adenocarcinoma have a very bad prognosis for liver resection of metastases, even after R0 resection. In these cases, percutaneous or laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation may find its place. In sarcoma, breast carcinoma, uveal melanoma, and genitourinary cancers, liver resection may provide satisfactory long-term results in selected cases, and is the standard of care for isolated, resectable metastasis. However, due to the scarcity of indication of liver resection for noncolorectal, nonneuroendocrine metastases, the decision should be multidisciplinary, and the patients should be informed of the advantages and pitfalls of the surgical procedure. [less ▲]

La carcinomatose hepatique du cancer colorectal: actualites therapeutiques

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2002), 57(12), 771-8

Important progress has been made in the treatment of liver metastases of advanced colorectal cancer. Surgery with curative intent, when possible, shows evidence of prolonged survival. Response rate and ... [more ▼]

Important progress has been made in the treatment of liver metastases of advanced colorectal cancer. Surgery with curative intent, when possible, shows evidence of prolonged survival. Response rate and overall survival can be improved with modern polychemotherapy. Cytotoxic drug combinations and sequential treatments sometimes make surgery possible for initially non resectable lesions. Impact of loco-regional treatment such as hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy must be defined in randomised trials. Radiofrequency ablation is also currently evaluated in clinical trials. In this review the benefit of each treatment is discussed. [less ▲]

Implications pathologiques du systeme neuroendocrinien digestif

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2002), 57(8), 509-18

The neuroendocrine system is made of endocrine cells disseminated in various organs. In this article, we will focus on the implication of the neuroendocrine system in digestive pathology. First of all, we ... [more ▼]

The neuroendocrine system is made of endocrine cells disseminated in various organs. In this article, we will focus on the implication of the neuroendocrine system in digestive pathology. First of all, we will review the neuroendocrine tumors in every location and then describe their classification, epidemiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment. Finally, we will consider the implications of the neuroendocrine system in the inflammatory and functional pathology of the digestive tract. [less ▲]

Comment je traite.... Un cancer du pancreas avance

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2002), 57(3), 131-4

Median survival of advanced pancreatic cancer is about three months. Unfortunately, chemotherapy is not a curative approach. Chemotherapy improves the quality of life and overall survival compared to best ... [more ▼]

Median survival of advanced pancreatic cancer is about three months. Unfortunately, chemotherapy is not a curative approach. Chemotherapy improves the quality of life and overall survival compared to best supportive care. Nevertheless, as the overall survival remains disappointing, clinical research must ongoing to define better treatment regimen. [less ▲]

Prévention et traitement des nausées et vomissements après chimiothérapie anticancéreuse

in Médecine et Hygiène (2002), 60