Minute gastric carcinoid tumor with regional lymph node metastasis:A case report and review of literature

We have encountered an unusual case of gastric carcinoidtumor.Gastroscopic examination of this 32-year-old malepatient showed a smooth protrusion at the greatercurvature of the gastric body with a central depression,identified by subsequent biopsy as carcinoma.The patienthad a normal serum gastrin level and was negative foranti-parietal cell antibody.Histological examination of theresected gastric tissues showed that the tumor was acarcinoid,0.3 cm×0.3 cm in size with only one regionallymph node metastasis.We reviewed the pathogenesis,clinical presentation,diagnosis and treatment of gastriccarcinoids and raise the possibility of being a lymph vessel-related metastasis even for a minute carcinoid tumor.Sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended for surgeryof minute carcinoid tumors.