Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid is the most common of the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs). They are Categorized (Foregut, Midgut, Hindgut) based on where they are found. NETs secrete hormones or peptides, usually resulting in a body response referred to as "syndrome". Often simple blood and urine tests can detect NETs.

Listed below are some of the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

NET typesSecretesMistaken for

Carcinoid Foregut 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), Histamine

Asthma, Cushing's Disease

Carcinoid Midgut Serotonin, substance P, kinins Peptides

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS),

asthma, hot flashes

Carcinoid Hindgut None

Silent, usually found on colonoscopy

Gastrinonma

Excess gastrin

Peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, IBS,

Gastric esophageal reflux disease

(GERD)

Insulinoma

Excess insulin

Hypoglycemia, sweating, weakness,

nausea, intermittent confusion

Glucagonoma

Excess glucagon

Diabetes, cachexia (a form of wasting

and malnutrition)

VIPoma

Excess vasoactive intestinal peptide

Watery diarrhea, electrolyte disturbance

Somatostatinoma Excess somatostatin

Diabetes, diarrhea, cholelithiasis

(gallstones)

While these may be slow growing tumors, YOU need to be very PROACTIVE. Most of these tumors may have spread to other areas (metastasized) before you have any symptoms at all.

There are many, excellent Physicians who diagnose and treat these diseases, some of whom are listed on the various Carcinoid and NET websites.