Carcinoid is a rare type of tumor in which certain chemicals secreted by the tumor is sent into the blood stream causing various problems affecting the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Carcinoid syndrome is a kind of cancer that can cause symptoms like flushing of skin, skin lesions, and diarrhea. Often, this cancer becomes evident only in the later stage which makes treatment impossible. In other cases, the symptoms of this disease can be managed with chemotherapy, radiation and medications. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly and invade the neighboring cells spreading the cancer. They also secrete certain chemicals and hormones causing disturbance in the digestive system.
Symptoms :
Carcinoid tumor can cause signs of diarrhea and stomach pain if the chemicals affect the digestive system. It may cause shortness of breath, wheezing and heart palpitation if the tumor affects the lungs. It may also cause flushing of skin more on your face. The skin becomes hot and change in color for no reason. It can also cause skin lesions on your face. Intake of alcohol or too much of stress can trigger these symptoms. Taking certain foods like cottage cheese or salted meat can trigger signs of diarrhea easily.
How common is this problem?
Not all the people having carcinoid tumor would develop carcinoid syndrome. Less than 10% of people with this tumor may get this syndrome. Carcinoid tumors would secrete chemicals and certain hormones in blood but it may not affect the body totally in all cases. This is because the unwanted chemicals are filtered in the liver before being distributed to other parts of the body. Liver would dissolve most of the chemicals and hormones and hence may not cause any problem. Hence, carcinoid syndrome is a rare disorder.
Causes :