About this topic
Carcinoid tumors cause a group of signs. Together, these signs are called carcinoid syndrome. These tumors grow very slowly and are rare. Your tumor may be in your bowels, stomach, appendix, rectum, or in your breathing tubes. ‚
What are the causes?
This syndrome is caused by a carcinoid tumor. The tumor releases chemicals in the body. The chemicals cause your blood vessels to open or dilate. This causes you to have signs. Doctors do not know what causes carcinoid tumors. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Bright red flushing of the face, neck, or upper chest
- Spider veins on the face
- Watery, loose stools
- Very bad belly pain or cramps
- Wheezing
- Heart beats fast
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may feel your belly for tenderness and swelling. Many times, these tumors are found when doing tests or procedures for other reasons. Your doctor may request tests to rule out other causes of the signs. ‚
- Lab tests
- CT or MRI scan
- Octreotide scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
If possible, the doctor will want to take out the tumor. If the tumor cannot be taken out, the doctor will work to control your signs. You may need: ‚
- Drugs
- Chemo or radiation therapy to kill tumor cells and prevent the spread to other parts of the body
- Other procedures to stop the blood supply to the tumor
- The doctor may want to do surgery to take out the tumor. Sometimes, your doctor will use special tools to help remove the tumor. The doctor may burn or freeze the tumor. Other times, the doctor may try to cut off blood supply to the tumor. This will help prevent spread of the tumor.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Learn how to manage stress or emotions that may cause skin flushing.
- You may have fewer signs if you:
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Avoid eating large meals
- Do not eat foods with a lot of tyramine. These foods include:
- Aged cheese
- Fermented meat and fish
- Avocado
- Pickles and olives
- Tofu
- Soy sauce
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop the growth and spread of tumors
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Help with side effects like feeling dizzy and throwing up
- Lower swelling and excess fluid
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no exact way to prevent carcinoid tumors. ‚
Helpful tips
- Your condition needs close monitoring. You will need to have regular checkups with your doctor. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Join support groups to get to know other people who have coped with the condition.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/GastrointestinalCarcinoidTumor/DetailedGuide/gastrointestinal-carcinoid-tumors-what-is-gastrointestinal-carcinoid ‚
Carcinoid Cancer Foundation ‚
http://www.carcinoid.org/content/newly-diagnosed-basics ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/677/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚