Epidemiology

The incidence of carcinoid syndrome in a population in central Sweden was estimated as being approximately 0.5 per 100,000 population per year.[3] Carcinoid syndrome occurs in patients with functional carcinoid tumours (i.e., symptoms are caused by hormonal release). There has been a clear rise in incidence of all gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), and specifically midgut carcinoid tumours, over the last two decades but the reasons for this are not clear.[4][5]​​​ Epidemiological data estimate the age-adjusted incidence of NETs in the US population at 6.98 per 100,000 of which 3.56 per 100,000 were gastroenteropancreatic NETs.[5]​[6]​​​​ In the UK the age-adjusted incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasia is estimated at 8.61 per 100,000.[7]​ The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) programme data suggest a slight female sex bias (52.7% women), a preponderance in the age group 65 years and over, and a greater incidence in white people than black people and Hispanics.[5]​[8]​​​ Carcinoid tumours are the most common functional NET. Approximately 19% of patients with NETs have carcinoid syndrome. This proportion has increased over the last two decades.[8]​ While the incidence of NETs is relatively low at 8-9 per 100,000 population per year, the overall prevalence of this condition is much higher due to the relatively indolent nature of the disease.[9]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer