Carcinoid syndrome

Treatment:

Surgery is usually not indicated except for isolated tumor. The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms.

Increased protein in diet is often recommended and nicotinamide supplements may be prescribed. A serotonin antagonist may be prescribed to control diarrhea and inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines (malabsorption). Somatostatin and similar medications may be effective in reducing the episodes of flushing and diarrhea and in reversing the hypotension.

Expectations (prognosis):

The symptoms may be controllable with medication.

Complications:

• Hypotension increases the risk of falls and subsequent injury.
• Increased platelet aggregation increases the risk for blood clots, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, and similar disorders.
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• bowel obstruction from tumor mass
• right-sided heart failure

Calling your health care provider:

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