CARCINOID SYNDROME

BAsic information

description

A group of symptoms caused by tumors (carcinoids). Carcinoids secrete hormones and chemicals that cause the symptoms. The tumors can occur in the small intestine, appendix, rectum, colon, stomach, pancreas, liver, lungs, and (rarely), other organs. Carcinoid syndrome usually affects adults ages 50 to 70, and both sexes equally.

frequent signs and symptoms

• Carcinoids are grow slowly and can be benign or malignant. Many persons will have no symptoms.
• The primary tumor may cause intestinal obstruction (painful cramps in the middle of the abdomen, vomiting, swelling, and weight loss).
• In a few cases, carcinoid cells spread to other body parts and produce secondary, hormone-producing (serotonin) tumors. Heavy exercise, alcohol use, or eating bananas, tomatoes, plums, avocados, pineapple, or walnuts may trigger symptoms of these secondary tumors. These symptoms include:

Flushed skin on the head and neck.

Watery eyes.

Diarrhea with abdominal cramps.

Respiratory symptoms similar to asthma.

Irregular heartbeat.

Nausea and vomiting.

Low blood pressure.

Unexplained weight loss.

causes

Unknown.

risk increases with

• Older adults.
• Smoking.
• Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (a hereditary disorder).

preventive measures

Cannot be prevented at present.

expected outcomes

The outcome will vary. In some, it can be cured with surgery. In others, the problem may progress, recur, or relapse.

POSsible complications

• Cancer may spread to other body parts.
• Low blood pressure.
• Risk for stroke, blood clots, and similar disorders.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Heart failure.
• Angioedema (hives).
• Renal failure.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. A number of medical tests will be done. The tests first help diagnose the cancer and then determine if it has spread (staging).
• Treatment varies and depends the on location and size of the tumor, any spread of the cancer, your health, age, and preferences. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy (anticancer drugs), or other drugs.
• Surgery to remove the carcinoid tumor depends on the location. In some cases, surgery can bring about a cure. The entire tumor may be removed, or a portion of the tumor (as large as possible) will be removed. This relieves symptoms because less of the harmful hormones are produced.
• To learn more: The American Cancer Society, 800-ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org, or the National Cancer Institute at 800-4-CANCER; website: www.nci.nih.gov.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:

Antidiarrheal drugs.

Anticancer drugs (they do not cure these tumors, but may help symptoms).

Drugs to prevent serotonin production.

Drugs to prevent flushed skin.

Cortisone drugs to reduce inflammation

Multivitamins and niacin supplements.

activity

Resume your normal activities once symptoms improve. Avoid strenuous exercise.

diet

• Include at least 2 servings of protein a day.
• Avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
• Don't drink alcohol.

notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of carcinoid syndrome.
• Symptoms become worse, despite treatment