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• What is carcinoid cancer?
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What is carcinoid cancer?

The majority of neuroendocrine tumors can be divided into two classes: carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Carcinoid commonly refers to neuroendocrine tumors that originate in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, lungs and thymus, although it can also occur in the brain, bone, gonads (ovaries and testes) and skin. Carcinoid tumors are usually indolent (slow-growing) by nature and develop over the course of many years. However, aggressive, fast-growing forms of carcinoid cancer also exist. Carcinoid tumors can secrete a variety of hormones and chemicals although not all carcinoid tumors do. Secreting carcinoid tumors are commonly referred to as functioning carcinoid tumors whereas those that do not secrete are classified as non-functioning. Functioning carcinoid tumors that occur in the digestive tract and pancreas release the substances they produce directly into the hepatic portal vein (a blood vessel in the abdominal cavity) which carries them directly to the liver where they are metabolized (broken down). Since the liver metabolizes these substances, their message is not sent to the rest of the body. Consequently, tumors of the digestive tract and pancreas are not usually detected until they have metastasized to the liver. When carcinoid metastasizes to the liver, the liver is not always able to metabolize all of the hormones secreted. This excess of hormone can cause an array of symptoms called carcinoid syndrome. Since carcinoid in the gonads and lungs do not release their hormones into the hepatic portal vein, individuals with carcinoid in these locations can have carcinoid syndrome without liver metastases. Common symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome include diarrhea, flushing of the skin, abdominal cramping, asthma, arthritis, niacin deficiency, swelling of the feet and wheezing. Carcinoid syndrome occurs in 8-10% of all individuals diagnosed with carcinoid and can eventually lead to right-sided heart failure. Individuals with carcinoid syndrome can also experience carcinoid crisis which can occur spontaneously or can be stress induced. A carcinoid crisis can be a life-threatening event that requires careful monitoring. Symptoms of a carcinoid crisis may include severe hypotension or hypertension, irregular and/or rapid heartbeat, wheezing, prolonged flushing, severe dyspnea (shortness of breath), and peripheral cyanosis (lack of oxygenated blood).

This information sourced from the World Journal of Gastroenterology & Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America.

What is gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor?

A gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor is cancer that forms in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. These organs are part of the digestive system, which processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) in foods that are eaten and helps pass waste material out of the body. Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors develop from a certain type of hormone -making cell in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. These cells produce hormones that help regulate digestive juices and the muscles used in moving food through the stomach and intestines. A gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor may also produce hormones. Carcinoid tumors that start in the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine) usually do not produce hormones.

Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors grow slowly. Most of them occur in the appendix (an organ attached to the large intestine), small intestine, and rectum. It is common for more than one tumor to develop in the small intestine. Having a carcinoid tumor increases a person's chance of getting other cancers in the digestive system, either at the same time or later.