Question 1

are carcinoid tumors benign?

Accepted Answer

No: Carcinoid tumors are not benign. They are typically  (but not always) slower growing than other tumors. They can spread if not found and therefore should be removed.

Question 2

what are carcinoid tumors / syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Neuroendocrine tumor: It is a relatively benign type of tumor that can secrete a variety of hormones, most notably serotonin. They are most commonly found in the gut or the lungs. They do not come from the lining of the lungs or the gut (as adenocarcinomata do). They come from a different line of cells.

Carcinoid syndrome occurs when large amounts of serotonin get into the bloodstream, assoc with flushing and diarrhea.

Question 3

what are the tests for carcinoid tumors?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: Confirmation of diagnosis is via a biopsy; other tests include blood tests (blood counts, chemistries, serotonin, chromogranin), urine tests (for 5hiaa) as well as ct scans and octreotide scans.

Question 4

describe the features of a carcinoid tumor.?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Carcinoid tumors are an uncommon tumor that can occur in the stomach, small intestine, appendix, or colon. There are few symptoms unless an intestinal blockage occurs. If they grow large they can become cancerous or spread to the liver. Carcinoid syndrome can be intermittent feeling of heat and redness of the face.

Question 5

what's the safest way to treat carcinoid tumors?

Accepted Answer

Location? extent?: Tumors of neuroendocrine origin; can be hard to localize; can be in appendix, rectum, bowel, stomach/duodenum, ovaries, bronchi (breathing tubes), elsewhere.  "low" malignant potential, but can be aggressive, spread; can cause abd pain, ;"syndrome" with flushing, wheezing, murmurs, etc.  Small ones can be cured by surgical removal; may need chemo, embolization, or octreotide rx for symptom control.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of carcinoid tumors i should be looking for?

Accepted Answer

Carcinoid tumor: Carcinoid tumors can be found in several places in the intestines. They do not cause symptoms unless the liver is affected. Carcinoid syndrome can be associated with flushing, increase in blood pressure, irregular heart beat, etc.  If a carcinoid is located with a bowel lumen it can cause blockage.  Carcinoids can spread directly to other areas. Usually not by blood stream.

Question 7

are carcinoid tumors linked to asbestos?

Accepted Answer

No: There is no relationship between carcinoids and asbestos.

Question 8

is carcinoid tumor the same thing as cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A carcinoid tumor is a specific type of malignancy developing from neuroendocrine tissues.

Question 9

how effective is sandostatin (octreotide) on carcinoid tumor?

Accepted Answer

Good for symptoms: Sandostatin (octreotide) is a medication that decreases the release of hormones from carcinoid tumors, thereby decreasing symptoms of carcinoid (flushing, diarrhea).  It may have some effects in slowing the growth of such tumors, but its main use is to treat symptoms of Carcinoid. It is effective for this is over 80% of patients with Carcinoid.

Question 10

i have very high serotonin levels. does this automatically mean carcinoid tumor?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: Check this out! http://www.Mayoclinic.Com/health/serotonin-syndrome/ds00860/dsection=symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Carcinoid tumor colon

A member asked:

Are carcinoid tumors benign?

A member asked:

What are carcinoid tumors / syndrome?

A member asked:

What are the tests for carcinoid tumors?

A member asked:

Describe the features of a carcinoid tumor.?

A member asked:

What's the safest way to treat carcinoid tumors?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of carcinoid tumors i should be looking for?

A member asked:

Are carcinoid tumors linked to asbestos?

A member asked:

Is carcinoid tumor the same thing as cancer?

A member asked:

How effective is sandostatin (octreotide) on carcinoid tumor?

A member asked:

I have very high serotonin levels. does this automatically mean carcinoid tumor?

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