POLYCYSTIC FORMS OF HEPATIC CARCINOID

A somewhat unusual case of probably primary carcinoid of the liver manifested as a cystic tumor in the left hepatic lobe and treated by left hepatectomy is reported. These tumors are infrequent and raise the diagnostic challenge of demonstrating their primary nature. Diagnostic pitfalls are underlined as well as the value of biochemical tests and imaging studies. Therapeutic methods are discussed. Lastly, the outcome of these tumors and the factors which influence their prognosis are reviewed.