Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. Carcinoid tumors, which are one subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum) or in the lungs.
Carcinoid tumors often don't cause signs and symptoms until late in the disease. Carcinoid tumors can produce and release hormones into your body that cause signs and symptoms such as diarrhea or skin flushing.
Treatment for carcinoid tumors usually includes surgery and may include medications.
Symptoms
Some carcinoid tumors don't cause any signs or symptoms. When they do occur, signs and symptoms are usually vague and depend on the location of the tumor.
Carcinoid tumors in the lungs
Signs and symptoms of carcinoid lung tumors include:
Chest pain
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Redness or a feeling of warmth in your face and neck (skin flushing)
Weight gain, particularly around the midsection and upper back
Pink or purple marks on the skin that look like stretch marks
Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract
Signs and symptoms of carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract include:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting and inability to pass stool due to intestinal blockage (bowel obstruction)
Rectal bleeding
Rectal pain
Redness or a feeling of warmth in your face and neck (skin flushing)
When to see a doctor
If you experience any signs and symptoms that bother you and are persistent, make an appointment with your doctor.
Comments