Carcinoid syndrome

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Serotonin uptake

Surgery to completely remove the tumor is usually the first line of treatment. It can result in permanent cure if the tumor is entirely removed.

When the entire tumor cannot be removed, removing large portions of the tumor (debulking) can help relieve the symptoms.

Sandostatin (octreotide) injections are given to those with advanced carcinoid tumors that cannot be removed surgically. In many cases, this drug blocks and reverses the growth of the tumors.

Interferon is another drug often given with octreotide. It helps stop the growth of the tumor.

A serotonin antagonist may be prescribed to control diarrhea and inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines (malabsorption).

Some common medicines, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, such as Paxil, Serzone, and Prozac) may make symptoms worse by increasing levels of serotonin. However, these medicines should be stop ONLY if your doctor tells you to do so.

One of several combinations of chemotherapy may be given by IV or by mouth. If one combination is does not work, another combination may be effective. About one-third of patients benefit from chemotherapy.

Increased protein and a low-fat diet are often recommended. Multivitamin mineral and low-dose nicotinic acid (niacin) supplements may be prescribed. Other items sometimes recommended are fish oil capsules, electrolyte supplements, and in some cases, large portions of nutmeg. Patients are advised to ingestion of alcohol, large meals, and foods high in tyramine, as these may provoke symptoms.

Learn more about carcinoid syndrome and get support from The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation.

The course of the illness in patients with carcinoid syndrome is different than those patients who have carcinoid tumors without the syndrome. The outlook is more favorable with the addition of new treatment methods, such as Sandostatin and others. The survival rate is variable.

• Hypotension increases the risk of falls and subsequent injury
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Bowel obstruction from tumor mass
• Right-sided heart failure

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of carcinoid syndrome.

Review Date: 09/11/2006
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.