Carcinoid Tumors

What is Carcinoid Tumor?

Carcinoid tumor is a rare type of cancer. It usually starts in gastrointestinal tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, rectum, colon), lungs, or other organs. Though carcinoid tumors are slow-growing, some can be aggressive. Most carcinoid tumors produce hormones that can cause symptoms like facial flushing, wheezing, abdominal cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms.

What are the Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumor?

The symptoms of carcinoid tumor depend on the size and location of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:

Facial flushing
Wheezing
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Skin rash
Fatigue
Swollen feet and legs
Shortness of breath

Diagnosis of Carcinoid Tumor

The diagnosis of carcinoid tumor begins with a physical exam and medical history. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history, and any recent tests you’ve had. Your doctor may order tests like imaging scans (x-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans), endoscopy (where a camera is inserted into the digestive system to look for tumors), or biopsy (where a piece of tissue is removed from an affected area to check for cancer cells).

Treatment for Carcinoid Tumor

The treatment for carcinoid tumor usually depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s age, general health, and other factors. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and alternative therapies. In some cases, close monitoring (with regular imaging scans and blood tests) is the only treatment needed.

Prevention of Carcinoid Tumor

Since the cause of many carcinoid tumors is unknown, there is no sure way to prevent them. However, you can lower your risk by following a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. If you have a family history of carcinoid tumors, it is important to talk to your doctor and discuss your risks. You may need to get regular screening tests to help detect carcinoid tumors early.