Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal
Growing slowly in our digestive system, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors cause cancers in the appendix, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum.
These tumors rarely cause any symptoms until after progression. However, see your doctor if you have abdominal pain, bowel obstruction or rectal bleeding. You are at greater risk of developing these tumors if you have Type I multiple endocrine neoplasia, gastric problems like gastritis or smoke tobacco products.
Most carcinoid tumors are found in the tip of the appendix, which is attached to the large intestines. These tumors can secrete certain hormones that cause stomach ulcers and heart disease, among other complications.
Blood and urine tests or a physical exam can diagnose carcinoid tumors. Once diagnosed, prognosis depends on the size of the tumor. The larger the tumor, the more aggressive the treatment needs to be. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy, among others.
Recently Answered
- Q What causes gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors?
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Cancer is caused when the DNA in a cell mutates, prompting the cell to reproduce and spread abnormally. In cases of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor, researchers aren't sure what causes this genetic mutation in the first place. Researchers have... Full Answer
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- Q What are the stages of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor?
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Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are classified by stage, and stages are determined by how advanced they are. There are three main stages: Localized tumors are confined to the digestive organ in which they began to grow: the stomach, intestine,... Full Answer
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- Q Can gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors cause complications?
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Complications can result from gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, most of which are due to affected hormone levels. One of these is carcinoid syndrome, a collection of symptoms including facial flushing, intestinal cramps, and diarrhea. In carcinoid... Full Answer
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- Q How can radiation treat gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors?
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Radiation does not work well at curing this particular type of cancer. Surgical removal is usually the most effective way to treat gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor. However, if surgery is not an option, radiation can be useful. For example, radiation can... Full Answer
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- Q How can gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors affect my body's hormones?
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Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors grow in the hormone-producing lining of the digestive tract. The tumors can themselves produce hormones such as prostaglandins. As long as the cancer stays in the digestive tract, the liver can usually process these... Full Answer
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- Q What follow-up care will I need for a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor?
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After surgery or other treatment for a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor has been completed, you will still need follow-up visits to the doctor to help you with any side effects and to make sure the cancer hasn't come back. Usually, your doctor will want... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors?
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If you have a condition related to the production of stomach acid, you face an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. These conditions include pernicious anemia, gastritis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. An inherited syndrome... Full Answer
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- Q How do gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors affect children and adults?
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Children and young adults are not as likely to develop gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors as older adults are. These slow-growing tumors take a long time to develop. On average, people are diagnosed with carcinoid tumors between ages 60 and 65. Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor on a daily basis?
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If surgery cannot remove all of a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor, you can still take steps to control your symptoms. For example, if a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor is causing you to feel flushed, avoid alcohol, stress, and other things that can... Full Answer
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- Q Can gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors be prevented?
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Nobody has discovered how to prevent gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, although you may reduce your risk for this cancer if you quit smoking. In rare cases, carcinoid tumors can run in families. If you have two relatives with carcinoid or other... Full Answer
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