Neuroendocrine tumours

Question 1

What is a carcinoid tumour?

Answer 1

A type of slow growing neuroendocrine tumour

Question 2

What hormone do carcinoid tumours most commonly secrete?

Answer 2

Serotonin

Question 3

Where do carcinoid tumours typically originate?

Answer 3

Appendix
Small intestine

Question 4

What are the symptoms of a carcinoid tumour?

Answer 4

Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Flushing
Wheezing
Pulmonary stenosis

Question 5

What are the differentials of a carcinoid tumour?

Answer 5

IBS
IBD
Mastocytosis

Question 6

What investigations are used in the diagnosis of carcinoid tumours?

Answer 6

Hormone levels - level of 5-HIAA (a breakdown product of serotonin)
CT, MRI or ocreotide scan
Tissue biopsy

Question 7

What is the primary management of carcinoid tumour?

Answer 7

Ocreotide
Surgical resection of tumour

Question 8

How does ocreotide work against a carcinoid tumour?

Answer 8

Ocreotide is a somatostatin analogue, which can inhibit production hormones by the tumour