Carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid tumor are two separate medical conditions, but they are both related to carcinoid tumors.
Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition caused by carcinoid tumors, which are slow-growing tumors that form in the digestive tract or in the lungs. The tumors release hormones and other substances into the bloodstream, causing a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom of carcinoid syndrome is facial flushing, but it can also cause bouts of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an irregular heart rate.
Carcinoid tumors, on the other hand, are tumors that form in the digestive tract or in the lungs. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and they can grow slowly or quickly depending on the type. Carcinoid tumors may not cause any symptoms, but they can cause symptoms if they release hormones into the bloodstream. If they do cause symptoms, they may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
In summary, the difference between carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid tumors is that carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition caused by carcinoid tumors, while carcinoid tumors are tumors that can be benign or malignant, and they can cause symptoms if they release hormones into the bloodstream.