How to Care for the Carcinoid

According to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation a carcinoid is defined as a slow growing cancer. Treatment and recovery is possible if the entire carcinoid can be removed. The small intestine is the most common location for this type of cancer. About 10 percent of carcinoid cases result in carcinoid syndrome. In these cases the carcinoid tumor reaches a large size and secretes hormones resulting in facial redness, diarrhea, accelerated heart beat and difficulty breathing.

Instructions

Detecting Carcinoid

• 1

  Be aware of symptoms of carcinoid tumors. According the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation, heart disease, cramping, diarrhea and arthritis are among the symptoms carcinoid may present. Among the most common symptoms is diarrhea appearing in 75 percent of the cases and facial flushing which occurs in about 90 percent of the cases.

• 2

  See a doctor as soon as the cancer is noticed. According to the Mayo Clinic carcinoid tumors grow so slowly few people have symptoms until the disease is quite advanced. Treatment will involve destroying or removing the carcinoid tumors. If that is not possible the symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome may be managed.

• 3

  Monitor the cancer. Carcinoid can be localized effecting just one organ or spread regionally from the initial organ to the surrounding tissue. Carcinoid can spread throughout the body in what is called distant spread.

Treating the Tumors

• 4

  Follow the doctor's course of treatment. Chemotherapy is sometimes attempted to shrink the carcinoid tumor. Side effects of chemotherapy vary with the particular chemo drug prescribed by the doctor.
  Radiofrequency ablation is another method of shrinking or even killing the carcinoid tumor. A needle is used to deliver heat to the tumor causing the cancer cells to die. According to the Mayo Clinic this is an option for small sized tumors.
  Interferon stimulates the immune system which may slow the growth of the carcinoid. There are a number of side effects associated with interferon including fatigue, nausea and bone bane.
  Ostreotide is a drug that also may reduce the growth of carcinoid tumors. It can be used alone or in conjunction with interferon. Ostreotide reduces the incidents of flushing and diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome but can cause bloating and nausea.

• 5

  Avoid actions that aggravate carcinoid syndrome symptoms. The Mayo Clinic recommends people with carcinoid tumors or carcinoid syndrome avoid alcohol and large meals that may trigger facial flushing. Other things that can trigger facial flushing include stress and anger.

• 6

  Eat a proper diet. A low-fat and high-protein diet may reduce the incidents of diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome. Doctors may also recommend multi-vitamins.