Carcinoid syndrome (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Carcinoid syndrome?
Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors -- tumors of the small intestine, colon, appendix, and bronchial tubes in the lungs.
What are the symptoms of Carcinoid syndrome?
Most carcinoid tumors have no symptoms. They only produce the syndrome about 10% of the time.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Abdominal pain that comes and goes
- Bright red flushing of the face
- Diarrhea (may be explosive and severe)
- Heart palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Wheezing
Sometimes symptoms are brought on by physical exertion, or eating or drinking things such as blue cheeses, chocolate, or red wine.
What are the causes of Carcinoid syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms sometimes seen in people with carcinoid tumors. These tumors are rare, and often slow growing.
Carcinoid syndrome occurs only 10% of the time, usually after the tumor has spread to the liver or lung.
These tumors release too much of the hormone serotonin, as well as several other chemicals that cause the blood vessels to open (dilate).
More carcinoid tumors are being diagnosed today than in the past.
Who is at risk for Carcinoid syndrome?
How to know you have Carcinoid syndrome?
Most of these tumors are found during abdominal surgery.
A physical examination may show:
- Heart valve lesions
- Signs of niacin-deficiency disease (pellagra)
Tests may include:
- 5-HIAA levels in urine
- Blood tests (including serotonin blood test)
- CT and MRI scan
- OctreoScan (to identify most carcinoids and other neuroendocrine tumors)
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Carcinoid syndrome
Directions to Hospitals Treating Carcinoid syndrome
Prevention of Carcinoid syndrome
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Sources
Template:SIB Template:WH Template:WS Bold text