Carcinoid tumors of Meckel's diverticula

A case of argentaffine tumor originating in a Meckel's diverticulum is presented. This brings to nineteen the total number of valid reported cases. Evidence indicates that these tumors behave essentially as do other carcinoids of the small intestine as contrasted to the relatively benign activity and earlier age at onset of the appendiceal argentaffinomas. Most tumors in this location are asymptomatic, being found either at autopsy or incidentally during surgery. In only two cases were symptoms actually related to the tumor and in both cases were probably due to metastases which were present.