|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Carcinoid Symptoms

A carcinoid is a cancerous tumor that grows slowly and usually appears in the lungs, small intestine, colon, stomach, rectum, appendix, ovaries or testes. Smokers and those with a family history of carcinoid tumors have a greater risk of developing them. Carcinoid tumors are treated with medicines to treat symptoms and with surgery to remove tumors.

  1. Causes

    • Carcinoid tumors are caused by cell mutation in DNA. These cancerous cells accumulate and form a mass, or tumor.

    Symptoms

    • Some people with carcinoid tumors may not have any signs or symptoms, and those that do show up are typically vague.

    Rectal and Bowel Symptoms

    • Bowel symptoms of carcinoid tumors includes diarrhea, bowel obstruction and changes in bowel movements. Rectal symptoms include rectal pain and bleeding.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms of a carcinoid tumor include abdominal and chest pain, pneumonia, trouble breathing, and redness or warmth in the face and neck.

    Complication Symptoms

    • Symptoms of carcinoid complications include stomach ulcers, a hormonal disorder called acromegaly, and overproduction of the hormone cortisol.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles