Carcinoid Tumour Flashcards
What is a carcinoid tumour?
What is carcinoid syndrome?
A condition that usually occurs when metastases are present in the liver and release serotonin into the systemic circulation
May also occur with lung carcinoid as mediators are not ‘cleared’ by the liver.
What is often the earliest symptom of carcinoid syndrome?
Flushing
List common features of carcinoid syndrome.
- Flushing
- Diarrhoea
- Bronchospasm
- Hypotension
- Right heart valvular stenosis
- Potential secretion of ACTH and GHRH
Which heart is primarily affected by valvular stenosis in carcinoid syndrome?
Right heart
What other molecules may be secreted in carcinoid syndrome?
- ACTH
- GHRH
What syndrome may result from the secretion of ACTH in carcinoid syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome
What rare condition can develop due to dietary tryptophan being diverted to serotonin by the tumor?
Pellagra
What is a key investigation for carcinoid syndrome?
Urinary 5-HIAA
What plasma marker is associated with carcinoid syndrome?
Plasma chromogranin A
What is a common management option for carcinoid syndrome?
Somatostatin analogues e.g. octreotide
Fill in the blank: Cyproheptadine may help with _______ in carcinoid syndrome.
diarrhoea
