Carcinoid syndrome
About Carcinoid syndrome
Occurs when a carcinoid tumor produces serotonin that causes the symptoms of carcinoid tumor. Only 10% of carcinoid tumors cause this syndrome. The carcinoid syndrome consists of abdominal pain, facial flushing, racing heart and other symptoms that can be caused by activity or certain foods. The carcinoid tumors grow slowly and typically involve the stomach, intestines or lungs. It is more common for large tumors and tumors not in the intestines to cause the syndrome since the blood supply from the intestines flows to the liver. The liver neutralizes the serotonin preventing the symptoms. Complications include heart disease, intestinal blockage and carcinoid crisis. Carcinoid crisis involves flushing, low blood pressure, confusion and breathing problems.Symptoms
Some patients have no symptoms. Only 10% of carcinoid tumors cause carcinoid syndrome. The symptoms of carcinoid syndrome include intermittent abdominal pain, flushing of the face, sudden and severe diarrhea, heart racing (palpitations), near fainting, weak pulse, wheezing. Sometimes the symptoms are caused by exercise, or consuming blue cheese, chocolate, or red wine.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. The tumors can be found incidentally during surgery. Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs can detect the cancer. Blood tests for chromogranin A, or urine tests for 5-HIAA can detect the abnormal levels of serotonin.Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Surgery to remove all or as much of the tumor as possible is typically performed. Other treatment options include: octreotide injections, interferon injections, blocking the blood supply to the cancer (hepatic artery embolization), radiofrequency ablation of the tumor, and chemotherapy.Medical specialties
General Surgery · Endocrinology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Carcinoid syndrome.