Carcinoid Tumors: Carcinoid tumors can produce chemical substances and hormones and cause a variety of symptoms. They can involve almost any organ; however, they most commonly involve the appendix and small bowel. Another common site for these tumors is the lung tissue. Carcinoids are very slow growing and it may take years before they become sizable. Most symptoms are related to the release of chemicals from the tumor.

Cause: The actual cause of Carcinoid Tumor is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms: Carcinoids may grow for a long time without causing any problems. Most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages. The symptoms depend on the location and site of involvement by Carcinoid: Flushing and redness of the face This is the most common sign of Carcinoid tumors. This can be triggered by alcohol consumption or emotional distress. It is due to enlargement of the vessels of the skin by chemical stimulation from chemicals released by the tumor. Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Shortness of breath, Weight loss. The constellation of these symptoms in patients with metastatic or widespread Carcinoid tumor is referred to as Carcinoid Syndrome.

Diagnosis: When suspected, CT scan or Ultrasound examination of the abdomen may establish the site and extent of the disease. A Fine needle aspiration of the Carcinoid may confirm the existence of this cancer. Detection of hormones and chemicals in the blood and urine may also assist in making a diagnosis.

Staging: This refers to the process of determining the extent of the disease. A CT scan of the abdomen, as well as bone scans, may be necessary to complete the staging workup.

Treatment: Management of this disease relies on surgery in an attempt to remove most or all of the Carcinoid from the original site. Chemotherapy: Is appropriate for patients in whom the disease is not cured with surgery. Streptozotocin, 5-FU and Leucovorin are among the most commonly used drugs for Carcinoid Tumors. These drugs are used in combination and can have moderate to severe toxic effects.

Treatment of symptoms: Octreotide (Somatostatin) is the most effective drug for management of symptoms.

Pattern of Spread: If untreated, or if it fails to respond to treatment, a Carcinoid Tumor can spread to the Liver , Lymph glands in the abdomen as well as to the lungs.

Prognosis: For most part, this cancer carries a very good prognosis due to diagnosing the disease in its early stages. 

Follow up: After completion of treatment, in any combination that might have taken place, patients should remain under surveillance for a possibility of recurrence of cancer. Patients with very early stages are cured with surgery and follow-up does not need to be as intense.  The frequency of follow-up will depend on the condition of the patient and his/her disease. In each follow-up visit, patients are examined, blood tests performed, if necessary, and a CT scan of abdomen obtained at intervals.

Treatment of advanced or recurrent disease will depend on the stage and extent of the reoccurred disease. Most patients are considered for surgery and removal of the recurrent tumor.  IF the extent of the disease is beyond surgery, patients may be treated with chemotherapy using the same agents as mentioned above. Radiation therapy may be helpful in managing painful or symptomatic areas where the cancer has spread. If patients experience pain, various pain medications may be used to alleviate pain

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