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Carcinoid syndrome - Overview

Definition of Carcinoid syndrome:

Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors -- tumors of the small intestine, colon, appendix, and bronchial tubes in the lungs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms sometimes seen in people with carcinoid tumors. These tumors are rare, and often slow growing. About 70% of carcinoid tumors are found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Carcinoid syndrome occurs in about 1 in 10 people with carcinoid tumors, usually 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 that cause the blood vessels to open (dilate).

  • Reviewed last on: 9/26/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hande KR. Multiple-organ syndromes: Carcinoid syndrome. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 251.

Kulke MH. Clinical presentation and management of carcinoid tumors. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2007;21:433-455.

National Cancer Institute. Gastrointestinal carcinoid treatment PDQ. Updated May 16, 2008.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Clinical practice guidelines in oncology. Neuroendocrine tumors. v.2.2010.

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