Carcinoid Tumors of the Pancreas
About:
Neuroendocrine tumors affect neuroendocrine cells, which produce regulatory hormones in the endocrine system. One specific type of neuroendocrine tumor is a carcinoid tumor. Carcinoid tumors can originate anywhere in the body, but are commonly found in the pancreas.
Signs/Symptoms:
Carcinoid tumors cause the body to overproduce hormones which may lead to:
- Asthma
- Cardiac disease
- Dehydration
- Flushing
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss/gain
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of developing carcinoid tumors include:
- Advanced Age: older adults are more likely to develop a tumor.
- Gender: men are twice as likely to develop a carcinoid tumor as women.
- Family History: an inherited disposition to multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN 1 syndrome) may increase the risk of developing a tumor.
- Smoking: the use of tobacco may increase the risk of developing a tumor.
- Stomach Conditions: medical conditions that affect the stomach’s ability to produce acid my increase the risk of developing a tumor.
Testing
Diagnostic tests for carcinoid tumors may include the following:
- CT-scan
- MRI
- Blood and urine tests
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
Treatment
- Surgical removal of tumors
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation
Source
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/liver_tumor_center/conditions/cancerous_liver_tumors/neuroendocrine_carcinoid_tumors.htm