carcinoid syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
Carcinoid tumours vs syndrome
A
- Tumours - only the neoplastic cell, no/v little symptoms
- Syndrome - when tumour metastasises to the liver
2
Q
Diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome (4)
A
- High volume of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (breakdown of serotonin) in urine
- Metabolic panel and LFTs
- Liver ultrasound to confirm metastases
- CT/MRI to locate primary tumour
2
Q
Presentation of carcinoid syndrome (5)
A
- Diarrhoea
- Flushing
- Tricuspid incompetence (valve lesion)
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Bronchospasm
3
Q
Treatment for carcinoid syndrome (3)
A
- Surgically excise primary tumour
- Peri-operative ocreotide (SST analogue) infusion to block tumour hormones
- For metastases: above + radiofrequency ablation
4
Q
What are carcinoid tumours? (2)
A
- Neuroendocrine tumours of enterochromaffin cells which produce 5-HT/serotonin
- Affects GIT and Lungs
5
Q
What does carcinoid syndrome tend to express?
A
Somatostatin receptors
6
Q
What is a Carcinoid crisis and what is it treated with? (2)
A
- Life threatening
- Treated with high dose SST analogue (octeotride)
