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Carcinoid Tumers

Diseases and Conditions Carcinoid Tumers
Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment
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Overview

Carcinoid tumors are a subset of neuroendocrine tumors that are typically slow-growing and can develop in various parts of the body. They most commonly originate in the digestive tract or the lungs. These tumors can produce and release hormones into the body, causing various symptoms.

Types of Carcinoid Tumers

Thses are the main types: 

  1. Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors: These begin in the digestive tract and are the most common type of carcinoid tumors.
  2. Lung Carcinoid Tumors: These start in the lungs and are often discovered on an X-ray done for another reason as they rarely cause symptoms in the early stages.

Causes of Carcinoid Tumers

The exact cause of carcinoid tumors is unknown. However, they occur when a mutation develops in the DNA of a neuroendocrine cell. The mutation allows the cell to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.

Risk Factors of Carcinoid Tumers

Several factors may increase your risk of developing carcinoid tumors, including:

  1. Age: Most people diagnosed with carcinoid tumors are middle-aged or older.
  2. Family History: Having a family member with a carcinoid tumor may increase your risk.

Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumers

The symptoms of carcinoid tumors are:
1. Flushing: This is a common symptom of carcinoid tumors. It involves redness or a warm feeling in the face and neck. The flush may feel like a rash and can be blotchy, and it often comes and goes.
2. Diarrhea: Frequent, loose bowel movements can be a symptom of carcinoid tumors. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if not managed properly.
3. Abdominal Pain: This can range from mild to severe and can vary from cramping to a steady, dull pain. It is often a result of the tumor pressing on nearby organs.
4. Shortness of Breath and Wheezing: These symptoms are similar to those seen in asthma. They are caused by chemicals released by the tumor that cause the airways to narrow.
5. Heart Palpitations: These are irregular heartbeats that can feel like the heart is fluttering or pounding. This can be caused by chemicals released by the tumor affecting heart function.
6. Skin Rash: Some people with carcinoid tumors develop a rash of bluish-purple patches on their skin.
7. Unexplained Weight Gain: Some people with carcinoid tumors may gain weight due to fluid retention.
8. Unusual Skin Growths: Some people with carcinoid tumors may develop small, benign skin growths called skin tags.

Preventions of Carcinoid Tumers

While there’s no certain way to prevent carcinoid tumors, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Diagnosis of Carcinoid Tumers

Diagnosis of carcinoid tumors often involves a combination of physical examination, blood and urine tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Carcinoid Tumers

Treatment options for carcinoid tumors depend on the type and stage of the tumor, and may include surgery, medication, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you experience persistent symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, pain, changes in bowel habits, or skin flushing, it’s important to see your doctor.