# Uncommon Origin, Common Presentation: A Rare Case of Mesenteric Carcinoid Tumor Mimicking Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

## TL;DR

A rare case of a mesenteric carcinoid tumor was mistaken for common GI issues, highlighting the need for early detection in atypical presentations.

## Contribution

Presents a rare case of a mesenteric carcinoid tumor with atypical symptoms and emphasizes the importance of early recognition.

## Key findings

- A 59-year-old woman presented with GI symptoms initially misdiagnosed but later found to have a mesenteric carcinoid tumor.
- Elevated chromogranin A and biopsy confirmed a grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor with hepatic metastases.
- The case underscores the challenge of diagnosing carcinoid tumors due to their nonspecific symptoms.

## Abstract

Carcinoid tumors, a subtype of well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms, are frequently misdiagnosed due to their indolent course and nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that mimic more common disorders. Here we report a rare case of a 59-year-old woman with hepatitis C and a history of intravenous drug use who presented with progressive abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Initial evaluations were inconclusive, but further imaging revealed a central mesenteric mass-an uncommon primary site-along with hepatic lesions, raising concern for metastatic disease. Elevated chromogranin A and biopsy confirmed a grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor. This case highlights the importance of considering carcinoid tumors in patients with persistent GI symptoms and emphasizes early recognition, particularly in atypical presentations, to guide timely and effective management.