Carcinoid syndrome refers to a syndrome characterized by temporary flushing, cyanosis, diarrhea, intestinal colic, as well as damage to the heart valves and, sometimes, asthma and arthropathy.
Typically, carcinoid syndrome occurs in individuals with metastatic carcinoid tumours of the intestine, which produce large amounts of hormones (these can include histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, prostaglandins, and polypeptide hormones).
Oncologists and oncological surgeons at Top Ihilov do everything possible to improve the patient's quality of life and relieve them of the numerous severe manifestations of carcinoid syndrome. They are aided by the most modern developments in the fields of surgery and pharmacology.
Carcinoid Syndrome and Modern Treatment Methods at Top Ihilov
Treatment of carcinoid syndrome depends on the tumour that causes it. The radical treatment method is the removal of the tumour, which is not always possible. In the case of primary carcinoid tumours of the lungs, radical removal surgery may be performed. For metastases to the liver, there is no effective treatment method. There is also no effective chemotherapy, although some drugs that show certain effects are under development. In this case, the doctors at Top Ihilov clinic apply treatment for the symptoms of the disease, such as flushing, pellagra, and diarrhea.
Diagnosis of Carcinoid Syndrome
The clinical manifestations of carcinoid syndrome correspond to the clinical picture characteristic of a hormonally active malignant tumour that produces serotonin and develops in the ileum, thyroid gland, pancreas, gonads, bronchi, and lungs. Carcinoid syndrome in intestinal carcinoid appears only after the tumour has metastasized to the liver.
One of the earliest manifestations of carcinoid syndrome is flushing in the neck and head area. Then, there are quite sharp changes in the patient's skin color from pale to cyanotic. This is followed by abdominal cramps, malabsorption, diarrhea, left-sided heart pathology, stenosis of the pulmonary artery valve, and rarely asthmatic breathing.
The diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome is made based on the clinical picture. To confirm the diagnosis, a 24-hour urine test is taken, which should show an elevated level of serotonin metabolite. To locate the tumour itself, various studies are conducted at Top Ihilov clinic, such as
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT
- octreotide scanning
- EGDS
- capsule enteroscopy.
- When the tumour cannot be detected, a laparotomy is performed.