Rectal Carcinoid

JFBJr
JFBJr Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I'm new to the site and new to cancer. In November 2004, I had my first colonoscopy at age 51. A polyp was removed from my rectum and biopsies revealed the presence of carcinoid with positive margins. I had surgery a few weeks after the diagnosis and underwent transanal excision of the carcinoid tumor. It was determined by my surgeon and oncologist that no further treatment was necessary, since the tumor was small and the surrounding tissue had negative margins. The oncologist did additional tests, which proved negative. I was to have quarterly sigmoidoscopies for a year and an annual colonoscopy for the forseeable future.

A few weeks ago, I went for my first quarterly check-up and another carcinoid (nodule) was found 3cm from the previous location. It was smaller than the last, but required surgery once again.

I am presently recovering from surgery (again) and anxiously awaiting biopsy results. My oncologist stated reoccurance was narrow based on my family and medical history. Unfortunately it recurred after only 3 months. Biopsy results will determine next steps. My cancer is in the early stages, and I'm thankful I acted proactively with my exams.

Has anyone else experienced rectal or colon carcinoid? Your information is appreciated.

Joe.

Comments

  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    Hiya Joe from OZ. Welcome to our "family". Sorry to hear you have joined us under the circumstances but you will find plenty of support here. I guess that on the positive side of things your cancer has been detected reasonably early. You might like to check out some personal web pages of our friends here too. I was dx'd colon cancer(sigmoid/descending colon) in aug. 03. Had surgery then chemo for 6 months and now NED just over 12 months. Hopefully someone here can help you re; rectal cancer.
    cheers from kanga n Jen
  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    Hi Joe,

    Welcome you to this site but sorry to hear about your diagnosis and recurrance - that must be frightnening and frustrating.

    I am new to this site as well. I was dx'ed in Feb of this year with rectal cancer at age of 33. My situation probably isn't too relevant to yours because unfortunately mine was not caught in the early stages - my rectal tumor was about 3 cm in size and I have liver metastasis. But I'll tell you what treatment I am getting anyways. After having a CAT scan and PET scan done - which found the liver met, I have had 4 treatments of FOLFOX + Avastin. Two days ago I had the CAT and PET scans done again. The tumors all have shrunk and are much less active (hopefully dying). I am now likely going to receive radiation and more 5-FU, radiation is available for rectal cancer patients.

    I am not sure what carcinoid is....again sorry if my info isn't relevant to your situation. Good Luck with your test results. I am glad you have caught your cancer early. I hear it has very high percentage of being cured when caught early.

    -Maria