BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCarcinoid syndromeFlush syndrome; Functioning argentaffinoma syndromeCarcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors. These are tumors most often of the small intestine, colon, appendix, pancreas, or bronchial tubes in the lungs. Causes Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms sometimes seen in people with carcinoid tumors. These tumors are rare, and often slow growing. Most carcinoid tumors are found in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.Carcinoid syndrome occurs in very few people with carcinoid tumors, typically after the tumor has spread to the liver or lung.These tumors release too much of the hormone serotonin, as well as several other chemicals. These hormones cause the blood vessels to open (dilate). This causes carcinoid syndrome. Symptoms The carcinoid syndrome is made up of four main symptoms including:Flushing (face, neck, or upper chest), or widened blood vessels seen on the skin (telangiectasias) TelangiectasiasTelangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually harmless, but may be associated with several diseases.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty breathing, such as wheezing Diarrhea Heart problems, such as leaking heart valves, blood pressure changes, and heart palpitationsSymptoms are sometimes brought on by physical exertion, or eating or drinking things such as blue cheese, chocolate, or red wine. Exams and Tests Often these tumors are found due to symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Sometimes they may be discovered during tests or procedures for other conditions. If a physical exam is done, your health care provider may find signs of: Heart valve problems, such as murmur MurmurA heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the h...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Niacin-deficiency disease (pellagra) PellagraPellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Enlarged liverTests that may be done include:5-HIAA levels in urine 5-HIAA5-HIAA is a urine test that measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). 5-HIAA is a breakdown product of a hormone called serotonin....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests (including serotonin and chromogranin A blood tests) SerotoninThe serotonin test measures the level of serotonin in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT and MRI scan of the chest or abdomen CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A special PET scan called a gallium Treatment Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first treatment. It can permanently cure the condition if the tumor is completely removed.If the tumor has spread to the liver, treatment involves either of the following: Removing areas of the liver that have tumor cells Sending (infusing) medicine directly into the liver to destroy the tumorsWhen the entire tumor can't be removed, removing large portions of the tumor ("debulking") can help relieve the symptoms.Octreotide (Sandostatin) or lanreotide (Somatuline) injections are given to people with advanced carcinoid tumors that can't be removed with surgery.For people with advanced carcinoid tumors that can't be removed with surgery, octreotide (Sandostatin) or lanreotide (Somatuline) injections are given to shrink or slow the growth of the tumor.Some common medicines, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), may make symptoms worse by increasing levels of serotonin. However, do not stop taking these medicines unless your provider tells you to do so. Support Groups Learn more about carcinoid syndrome and get support from:The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation -- www.carcinoid.org/resources/support-groups/directory/ Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation -- netrf.org/for-patients/ Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook in people with carcinoid syndrome is different from the outlook in people who have carcinoid tumors without the syndrome. Most people with carcinoid tumors will not develop carcinoid syndrome.In people with carcinoid syndrome, the tumor has usually spread to the liver. This lowers the survival rate. Overall, the prognosis is usually poor. Possible Complications Complications of carcinoid tumors may include:Increased risk of falls and injury (from low blood pressure) Bowel obstruction (from tumor) Bowel obstructionIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastrointestinal bleeding Gastrointestinal bleedingGastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the GI tract. Bleeding may come from any site along the GI tract, but is often d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart valve failureA fatal form of carcinoid syndrome, carcinoid crisis, may occur as a side effect of surgery, anesthesia or chemotherapy. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Prevention Treating the tumor reduces the risk of carcinoid syndrome.Open ReferencesReferencesDe Herder WW, Feelders RA, Hofland J. Neuroendocrine tumors and disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 43.Gan T, Evers BM. Small intestine. In: Townsend Jr CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 50.National Cancer Institute website. Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/gi-neuroendocrine-tumors/hp/gi-neuroendocrine-treatment-pdq. Updated September 19, 2024. Accessed February 24, 2025.Wolin EM, Jensen RT. Neuroendocrine neoplasms. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 213.AllVideoImagesTogSerotonin uptake - illustration Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms that typically are exhibited by people with carcinoid tumors. The symptoms include bright red facial flushing, diarrhea, and occasionally wheezing. A specific type of heart valve damage can occur, as well as other cardiac problems. Carcinoid tumors secrete excessive amounts of the hormone serotonin. Surgery with complete removal of the tumor tissue is the ideal treatment. It can result in a permanent cure if it is possible to remove the tumor entirely.Serotonin uptakeillustrationSerotonin uptake - illustration Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms that typically are exhibited by people with carcinoid tumors. The symptoms include bright red facial flushing, diarrhea, and occasionally wheezing. A specific type of heart valve damage can occur, as well as other cardiac problems. Carcinoid tumors secrete excessive amounts of the hormone serotonin. Surgery with complete removal of the tumor tissue is the ideal treatment. It can result in a permanent cure if it is possible to remove the tumor entirely.Serotonin uptakeillustrationRelated Information Serotonin blood test(Medical Test)Niacin(Nutrition)Protein in diet(Nutrition)5-HIAA urine test(Medical Test)Wheezing(Symptoms)Gastrointestinal bleeding(Symptoms)Intestinal obstruction and Ileus(Condition)Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy(Surgery)Iontophoresis(Surgery)Heart failure - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 7/29/2024 Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 02/24/2025. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Carcinoid syndromeFlush syndrome; Functioning argentaffinoma syndromeCarcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors. These are tumors most often of the small intestine, colon, appendix, pancreas, or bronchial tubes in the lungs. Causes Carcinoid syndrome is the pattern of symptoms sometimes seen in people with carcinoid tumors. These tumors are rare, and often slow growing. Most carcinoid tumors are found in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.Carcinoid syndrome occurs in very few people with carcinoid tumors, typically after the tumor has spread to the liver or lung.These tumors release too much of the hormone serotonin, as well as several other chemicals. These hormones cause the blood vessels to open (dilate). This causes carcinoid syndrome. Symptoms The carcinoid syndrome is made up of four main symptoms including:Flushing (face, neck, or upper chest), or widened blood vessels seen on the skin (telangiectasias) TelangiectasiasTelangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually harmless, but may be associated with several diseases.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty breathing, such as wheezing Diarrhea Heart problems, such as leaking heart valves, blood pressure changes, and heart palpitationsSymptoms are sometimes brought on by physical exertion, or eating or drinking things such as blue cheese, chocolate, or red wine. Exams and Tests Often these tumors are found due to symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Sometimes they may be discovered during tests or procedures for other conditions. If a physical exam is done, your health care provider may find signs of: Heart valve problems, such as murmur MurmurA heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the h...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Niacin-deficiency disease (pellagra) PellagraPellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Enlarged liverTests that may be done include:5-HIAA levels in urine 5-HIAA5-HIAA is a urine test that measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). 5-HIAA is a breakdown product of a hormone called serotonin....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests (including serotonin and chromogranin A blood tests) SerotoninThe serotonin test measures the level of serotonin in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT and MRI scan of the chest or abdomen CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A special PET scan called a gallium Treatment Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first treatment. It can permanently cure the condition if the tumor is completely removed.If the tumor has spread to the liver, treatment involves either of the following: Removing areas of the liver that have tumor cells Sending (infusing) medicine directly into the liver to destroy the tumorsWhen the entire tumor can't be removed, removing large portions of the tumor ("debulking") can help relieve the symptoms.Octreotide (Sandostatin) or lanreotide (Somatuline) injections are given to people with advanced carcinoid tumors that can't be removed with surgery.For people with advanced carcinoid tumors that can't be removed with surgery, octreotide (Sandostatin) or lanreotide (Somatuline) injections are given to shrink or slow the growth of the tumor.Some common medicines, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), may make symptoms worse by increasing levels of serotonin. However, do not stop taking these medicines unless your provider tells you to do so. Support Groups Learn more about carcinoid syndrome and get support from:The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation -- www.carcinoid.org/resources/support-groups/directory/ Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation -- netrf.org/for-patients/ Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook in people with carcinoid syndrome is different from the outlook in people who have carcinoid tumors without the syndrome. Most people with carcinoid tumors will not develop carcinoid syndrome.In people with carcinoid syndrome, the tumor has usually spread to the liver. This lowers the survival rate. Overall, the prognosis is usually poor. Possible Complications Complications of carcinoid tumors may include:Increased risk of falls and injury (from low blood pressure) Bowel obstruction (from tumor) Bowel obstructionIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastrointestinal bleeding Gastrointestinal bleedingGastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the GI tract. Bleeding may come from any site along the GI tract, but is often d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart valve failureA fatal form of carcinoid syndrome, carcinoid crisis, may occur as a side effect of surgery, anesthesia or chemotherapy. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Prevention Treating the tumor reduces the risk of carcinoid syndrome.Open ReferencesReferencesDe Herder WW, Feelders RA, Hofland J. Neuroendocrine tumors and disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 43.Gan T, Evers BM. Small intestine. In: Townsend Jr CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 50.National Cancer Institute website. Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/gi-neuroendocrine-tumors/hp/gi-neuroendocrine-treatment-pdq. Updated September 19, 2024. Accessed February 24, 2025.Wolin EM, Jensen RT. Neuroendocrine neoplasms. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 213.
