Typical carcinoid and atypical carcinoid are two types of carcinoid tumors, which are slow-growing tumors that develop in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Although both types of carcinoid tumors are slow growing, they differ in certain ways.
Typical carcinoid tumors are the most common type of carcinoid. They are usually small and confined to one area, typically the lungs or the small intestines. These tumors are characterized by low-grade malignancy, meaning they are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. They also tend to respond well to treatment, with surgery being the most common form of treatment.
Atypical carcinoid tumors, on the other hand, are rarer and more aggressive than typical carcinoid tumors. They are larger in size than typical carcinoid tumors and are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. They are also less likely to respond to treatment, and can cause more severe symptoms than typical carcinoid tumors. Surgery is still the primary form of treatment, but chemotherapy and radiation may also be used.
In summary, typical and atypical carcinoid tumors are both slow-growing tumors, but they differ in terms of size, malignancy, and prognosis. Typical carcinoid tumors are usually small and confined to one area, while atypical carcinoid tumors are larger and more likely to spread. Typical carcinoid tumors have a better prognosis and are more likely to respond to treatment, while atypical carcinoid tumors are less likely to respond to treatment and can cause more severe symptoms.