Carcinoid syndrome, has anyone heard of this?
#78777 - 06/13/04 08:14 PM
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Vicam
Reged: 02/24/04
Posts: 1955
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Hey Guys,
I was doing some research before my next doctor's appointment and stumbled upon some information about carcinoid syndrome, a potentially maligannt tumour growth whose symptoms often mimic IBS. I don't believe this is on the list of diseases the Rome II guidelines say you need to rule out for an IBS diagnosis, but the symptoms are very similar. Apparently it's quite rare, but I'm just wondering if anyone has heard of it.
Im of course stressing out now because I'm worried that could be what I have ... I suppose I could mention it to the doctor but he hates it when I try and self-diagnose. My concern is that I have severe facial flushing which is one of the symptoms (along with D, abdominal cramping and weight loss). I never thought much of it, but maybe there's something to that.
Here's a link for anyone who wants to check it out: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2649.htm
Kelly
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Kelly, I have not heard about this before, but I checked out the link and it seems to be rare:
In the US: The incidence of carcinoids is probably 7-8 cases per year, but this approximation is underestimated because many patients never develop the related syndrome.
Also, it seems to me that blood/urine tests would indicate an incidence of this so if you've had either of these done recently I'm sure something would have been picked upL
Signs and tests
5-HIAA levels (urine) are elevated in 75% of cases. Certain foods and medicines must be avoided for a day or two before this test, and on the day the urine is collected. These include bananas, pineapple and its juice, red plums, avocado, walnuts, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, various cough medicines, muscle relaxing medicines, acetaminophen (Tylenol), caffeine, fluorouacil, iodine solutions, phenacetin, MAO inhibitors (certain anti-depressant drugs), isoniazid, and phenothiazine drugs (Compazine, Thorazine).
Serotonin levels (blood) may be elevated.
Chromogranin A (blood) may be elevated.
Tryptophan (blood) may be decreased.
The OctreoScan -- a radio-isotope scanning test -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This test will identify most carcinoids and any other neuroendocrine tumors.
A CT and MRI scan may be done along with the OctreoScan to monitor the progress of treatment of the carcinoid tumor.
Less frequent tests may include histamine, bradykinin, neurone-specific enolase, calcitonin, Substance-P, neurokinin-A, and pancreatic polypeptide.
Try not to stress toooo much, easier said than done I know. But bring it up to your doctor if you're still concerned, it'll put your mind at ease.
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