Long-Term Survival with Metastatic Carcinoid Tumors: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Post hoc studies investigating patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors consistently have demonstrated outcomes that are not all too promising in terms of long-term survival, particularly for those with multiple metastases to the small bowel, mesentery, and liver. Here we present a patient with these clinical findings who, contrary to current expectations, has survived much longer than anticipated. This case is a sobering reminder for physicians not only to evaluate carefully and care for their patients but also to choose their words carefully in all communication with them.

Key Words: carcinoid tumor, metastatic, prognosis, survivability

Competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement