Types of Carcinoid Tumors

Here are the areas of the body where carcinoid tumors are usually found:

Small intestine

Appendix

Rectum

Lungs

Colon

Stomach

Pancreas

Liver

Carcinoid tumors behave differently depending on how quickly they grow, if they spread to other areas of your body and if they make hormones. Types of carcinoid tumors include:

Slow-growing tumors: These tumors are the most common type. They usually remain small, typically less than 1 centimeter. They rarely grow quickly or spread to other areas of the body.

Faster-growing tumors: These tumors may grow more rapidly and spread to other areas of the body.

Hormone-secreting (functional) tumors: These functioning carcinoid tumors produce hormones such as insulin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, glucagon, somatostatin or serotonin. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when the tumor produces excessive amounts of serotonin.

Non-hormone-secreting (nonfunctional) tumors: These carcinoid tumors are the most common. They do not make any hormones.

Symptoms of carcinoid tumor depend on where the tumor is growing and whether the tumor is producing hormones. Some symptoms are triggered by exercise, stress and some foods or drinks, such as alcohol, chocolate and certain cheeses. In most cases, however, carcinoid tumors are nonfunctional and do not cause symptoms.

Symptoms related to tumor size/location:

Abdominal pain or pressure

Change in bowel habits

Blood in a bowel movement

Nausea or vomiting

Chest pain

Cough

Blood-tinged sputum

Weight loss

Symptoms related to the release of hormones:

Facial flushing

Diarrhea

Elevated blood sugar

Low blood sugar

Ulcers

Rashes

Anxiety

Confusion

Heart palpitations

Fainting

Symptoms related to carcinoid syndrome:

Facial flushing

Sweating

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Diarrhea

Heart palpitations

Heart murmur

Low blood pressure

Confusion

Carcinoid tumors are often a diagnostic challenge because they are rare, slow-growing tumors that do not often produce symptoms. Most are identified on imaging obtained for another purpose or following a procedure for another condition, like an appendectomy.

If there is suspicion for a neuroendocrine tumor, tests/labs commonly employed include:

The best treatment for small carcinoid tumors that have not spread is surgery. Surgery for these tumors can provide cure. Once a tumor has spread or become too big to remove, other treatment options are often pursued. Below is a list of treatment options that are often considered:

You may want to get a second opinion before starting treatment. Some insurance companies need one for certain cancer diagnoses. In addition to providing more information, a second opinion can also provide peace of mind regarding your treatment decisions.

The exact causes for the development of carcinoid tumors remain unclear. Most develop sporadically. As a result, strategies to prevent the development of carcinoid tumor are not yet known. However, certain genetic and medical conditions are known to increase the risk of development. These conditions include multiple endocrine neoplasia, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis. Conditions that affect stomach acid, such as atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, may also increase risk.

In addition to following all of your clinical team’s instructions, taking your medicines and keeping your appointments, you can help manage carcinoid tumor by learning as much as you can about the disease and taking an active role in your treatment. Here are some other suggestions:

Follow a nutritious, high-protein diet.

Avoid alcohol and foods that trigger carcinoid symptoms.

Avoid stress as much as possible.

Ask your doctor about the medicines you take. Some, such as decongestants, asthma inhalers and antidepressants, may trigger or make carcinoid symptoms worse.

Join a support group to learn more about carcinoid tumors and share your feelings with others.

Try mind-body exercises like yoga or tai chi to help reduce anxiety and stress.

Try other ways of managing emotional stress: guided imagery, meditation, music therapy and journaling.

Before appointments, write down your questions and bring them with you. For support during your appointments, bring a family member or close friend.

Home remedies will not cure carcinoid tumors. Vitamin supplements may be helpful. Mineral supplements, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, may also help. Freshly ground nutmeg will sometimes help control diarrhea. Always let your doctor know about any home remedies you want to try.