Carcinoid Syndrome Treatment & Symptom

Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumor (see bronchial adenoma ). Carcinoid tumors occur most commonly in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, small intestine, appendix, colon and rectum, or in the lungs. Carcinoid syndrome develops in some people with carcinoid tumors and is characterized by cutaneous flushing, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Right-sided valvular heart disease may develop after several years. The syndrome results from vasoactive substances (including serotonin, bradykinin, histamine, prostaglandins, polypeptide hormones) secreted by the tumor, which is typically a metastatic intestinal carcinoid. Diagnosis is clinical and by demonstrating increased urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Tumor localization may require a radionuclide scan or laparotomy. Treatment of symptoms is with somatostatin or octreotide, but surgical removal is performed where possible; chemotherapy may be used for malignant tumors.

A carcinoid tumour, sometimes referred to as simply 'carcinoid', is a tumour of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is a network of glands that produce particular hormones and send them into the bloodstream to affect the function of different organs in the body. The symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome vary depending on which hormones are released by the tumors. The common hormones released are serotonin, bradykinin (a molecule produced by enzymes at the site of an injury and then binds to receptors to cause pain), histamine, and chromogranin A (a general marker for neuroendocrine tumors). In rare circumstances, carcinoid tumors can develop in the ovaries. Because carcinoid tumors generally grow slowly, they typically don't cause signs and symptoms until quite advanced. You might discover you have carcinoid cancer through a test for an unrelated disease or condition. Treatment for carcinoid syndrome usually involves treating your cancer. However, because most carcinoid tumors don't cause carcinoid syndrome until they're very advanced, a cure may not be possible. In those cases, medications may relieve the signs and symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and make you more comfortable.

Causes of Carcinoid Syndrome

Common Causes of Carcinoid Syndrome :

• Have a carcinoid tumor that has spread (metastasized) to the liver
• Have a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor

Symptoms of Carcinoid Syndrome

Some common Symptoms of Carcinoid Syndrome :

• Wheezing.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal pain.
• Flushing.
• Low blood pressure.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Nausea.
• Skin flushing.
• Tachycardia.
• Joint pain.

Treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome

• Methysergide maleate (antiserotonin agent but not used because of serious side effect of retroperitoneal fibrosis) .
• Streptozocin.
• Zanosar.
• Surgical resection of tumor and chemotherapy (5-FU and doxorubicin).
• Cyproheptadine ( antihistamine ).
• Octreotide (somatostatin analogue- neutralizes serotonin and decreases urinary 5-HIAA.