Carcinoid Tumors

Symptoms

Carcinoid tumors can occur in many body locations. They develop from neuroendocrine cells, which are found in many human organs. Neuroendocrine cells are like nerve cells in some respects and like glandular (hormone-producing) cells in other ways. Carcinoid is the most common neuroendocrine tumor. Because the digestive tract has many neuroendocrine cells, it is the most common site of carcinoid tumors. About 30 percent of patients with a carcinoid tumor have more than one. People with a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 are at a higher risk for developing carcinoid tumors.

Symptoms of carcinoid tumors vary depending upon the cancer site. Because many carcinoid tumors cause no noticeable symptoms, they are difficult to diagnose in early stages.

• Diarrhea
• Facial flushing (episodes of facial redness frequently triggered by alcohol or emotional stress)
• Abdominal pain or mass
• Intestinal bleeding (usually not noticed by the patient)

• Wheezing
• Fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness