Carcinoid tumours are a type of slow-growing cancer that usually originate in the digestive system, but can also occur in other parts of the body. They’re sometimes referred to as neuroendocrine tumours, because they’re made up of cells that are part of the neuroendocrine system.
Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumours
Carcinoid tumours can cause a range of symptoms depending on the location of the tumour. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss. If the tumour is located in the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood. Carcinoid tumours can also cause flushing of the skin, which may be accompanied by digestive symptoms such as abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Diagnosis of Carcinoid Tumours
To diagnose carcinoid tumours, your doctor will probably order tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. They may also order blood tests to look for signs of carcinoid syndrome, which is a rare condition caused by some types of carcinoid tumours. If the tumour is located in the lungs, they may also order a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy.
Treatment of Carcinoid Tumours
The most common treatment for carcinoid tumours is surgery to remove the tumour. In some cases, radiation or chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumour before the surgery. In other cases, medications such as somatostatin analogues may be used to reduce the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. In some cases, doctors may use a combination of treatments to control the growth of the tumour and its symptoms.