[Carcinoid tumors of the gastro-intestinal-tract (author's transl)].

The prognosis of carcinoid tumors of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT) is determined by the site and size of the tumors. Carcinoid of the vermiform appendix and the rectum cause early symptoms making early diagnosis and treatment relatively easy. The 5-year-survival rate is 99% and 83% respectively. Carcinoid tumors involving the stomach and the colon with 5-year-survival rates of 52% and 53% respectively have an unfavourable prognosis. In between is the carcinoid tumor of the small intestine with a survival rate of 60%. Tumors with diameter less than 2 cm can be excised locally. Bigger tumors--as a rule--must be managed according to the principles of tumor surgery. The operative treatment of metastasis improves the prognosis especially of small intestine carcinoids. One should endeavor to remove also metastasis of carcinoid tumors of other localizations.