Carcinoid Tumors

Diagnosis

To help determine the best treatment options, experienced physicians at Mayo Clinic use the latest diagnostic techniques.

Medical History and Physical Examination

A first step toward diagnosing carcinoid tumors is an in-depth interview with the patient. During the interview, the physician will record details about the patient's symptoms and when they first appeared.

After taking the medical history, the physician physically examines the patient, feeling the abdomen for lumps, swelling, or areas where the patient reports pain. The physician may also order blood and urine tests.

Imaging Studies

Mayo Clinic specialists use high-resolution imaging studies, some described below, to diagnose carcinoid tumors.

• Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the abdomen that identify a tumor. A technician places a wandlike device (transducer) on the surface of the abdomen and monitors the image on a screen.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans generate two-dimensional images of the abdomen that can reveal whether cancer has invaded other tissues or organs. New technology available at Mayo Clinic enables three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create two- and three-dimensional views that can show physicians small abnormalities in the soft tissue of the abdomen.
• OctreoScans use radio-labeled octreotide, which interacts with specific receptors frequently found on carcinoid tumors, to locate areas of the disease throughout the body.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) technology uses radioactive materials to identify metabolically active tissues, such as small bowel and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
• X-rays generate two-dimensional views of the chest and gastrointestinal tract to help physicians locate abnormalities.

Endoscopy or Colonoscopy

Before visually examining parts of the gastrointestinal tract, a physician gives the patient a mild sedative. Then the doctor passes a thin tube either down the throat and through the stomach (endoscopy), or up through the rectum (colonoscopy). With a light on the inside of the tube, the doctor can see abnormal areas in the gastrointestinal tract. If necessary, a small sample of cells (a biopsy) can be taken for microscopic examination by a pathologist.

Biopsy

Before planning or recommending treatment, Mayo Clinic physicians ask a pathologist to microscopically examine tissue from the tumor to confirm the type. Biopsy tissue may be collected during an endoscopic exam or by a laparoscopy.