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Carcinoid Tumors
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Cancers

Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing cancers that typically originate in the digestive tract or lungs.

Overview

Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing cancers. They usually start in the lining of the digestive tract or in the lungs. They grow slowly and don't produce symptoms in the early stages. As a result, the average age of people diagnosed with digestive or lung carcinoids is about 60.

Symptoms and Treatment

In later stages the tumors sometimes produce hormones that can cause carcinoid syndrome. The syndrome causes flushing of the face and upper chest, diarrhea, and trouble breathing.

Surgery is the main treatment for carcinoid tumors. If they haven't spread to other parts of the body, surgery can cure the cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis often occurs incidentally during imaging for other conditions, or when symptoms of carcinoid syndrome develop. Specific tests include blood and urine tests for hormone markers (like 5-HIAA), imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), and endoscopy or bronchoscopy with biopsy.
Carcinoid syndrome is primarily managed with medications called somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide), which reduce hormone production and alleviate symptoms. Dietary modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods and alcohol, can also help manage diarrhea and flushing.
For carcinoid syndrome, dietary changes are often recommended to minimize symptoms. This may include avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, large meals, and foods high in amines (like aged cheeses, fermented products) which can trigger flushing and diarrhea. Managing stress and avoiding extreme temperatures can also be beneficial.
Beyond surgery, treatment options depend on the tumor's location, spread, and hormone production. These can include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, liver-directed therapies (like embolization or radiofrequency ablation for liver metastases), and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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