Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors. These are tumors most often of the small intestine, colon, appendix, or bronchial tubes in the lungs.
Flush syndrome; Argentaffinoma syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms sometimes seen in people with carcinoid tumors. These tumors are rare, and often slow growing. Most carcinoid tumors are found in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.
Carcinoid syndrome occurs in very few people with carcinoid tumors, after the tumor has spread to the liver or lung.
These tumors release too much of the hormone serotonin, as well as several other chemicals. The hormones cause the blood vessels to open (dilate). This causes carcinoid syndrome.
The carcinoid syndrome is made up of four main symptoms including:
Symptoms are sometimes brought on by physical exertion, or eating or drinking things such as blue cheese, chocolate, or red wine.
Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first treatment. It can permanently cure the condition if the tumor is completely removed.
If the tumor has spread to the liver, treatment involves either of the following:
When the entire tumor can't be removed, removing large portions of the tumor ("debulking") can help relieve the symptoms.
Octreotide (Sandostatin) or lanreotide (Somatuline) injections are given to people with advanced carcinoid tumors that can't be removed with surgery.
People with carcinoid syndrome should avoid alcohol, large meals, and foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, avocado, many processed foods), because they may trigger symptoms.
Some common medicines, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), may make symptoms worse by increasing levels of serotonin. However, do not stop taking these medicines unless your provider tells you to do so.
Matthew Kulke is an Oncologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Kulke has been practicing medicine for over 31 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Carcinoid Syndrome, Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET), and Liver Embolization. He is licensed to treat patients in Massachusetts. Kulke is currently accepting new patients.
Richard Steeds practices in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Steeds is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carcinoid Syndrome, Fabry Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Aortic Valve Replacement, and Kidney Transplant.
Daniel Halperin is an Oncologist in Houston, Texas. Halperin has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Carcinoid Syndrome, Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET), and Colonoscopy. He is licensed to treat patients in Texas. Halperin is currently accepting new patients.
Learn more about carcinoid syndrome and get support from:
The outlook in people with carcinoid syndrome is sometimes different from the outlook in people who have carcinoid tumors without the syndrome.
Prognosis also depends on the site of tumor. In people with the syndrome, the tumor has usually spread to the liver. This lowers the survival rate. People with carcinoid syndrome are also more likely to have a separate cancer (second primary tumor) at the same time. Overall, the prognosis is usually excellent.
Complications of carcinoid tumors may include:
A fatal form of carcinoid syndrome, carcinoid crisis, may occur as a side effect of surgery, anesthesia or chemotherapy.
Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of carcinoid syndrome.
Treating the tumor reduces the risk of carcinoid syndrome.
Summary: This randomized phase II trial studies how well pazopanib hydrochloride works in treating patients with carcinoid tumors that are growing, spreading, or getting worse. Pazopanib hydrochloride may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.
Summary: The purpose of this investigation is to see if the TRICENTO Valved Stent Graft implant reduces tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and improves the symptoms and quality of life in 15 participants with carcinoid heart disease, and who are not able to have a new valve via a surgical procedure.
Published Date: August 15, 2022
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
National Cancer Institute website. Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors treatment (Adult) (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/gi-carcinoid-tumors/hp/gi-carcinoid-treatment-pdq. Updated August 19, 2022. Accessed October 13, 2022.
Öberg K. Neuroendocrine tumors and related disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 45.
Wolin EM, Jensen RT. Neuroendocrine tumors. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 219.