Understanding Carcinoid Tumours: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

How are Carcinoid Tumours Grouped? 

Carcinoid tumours are grouped based on various factors, including their growth rate, origin, potential spread, and hormone production: 

1- Growth Rate 

Slow-growing tumours: These are the most prevalent type and typically remain small without rapid spread. 

Faster-growing tumours: Grow faster, increase in size, and have a higher tendency to spread. 

2- Hormone Production 

Hormone-secreting tumours: Functioning carcinoid tumours produce hormones such as serotonin, leading to symptoms like carcinoid syndrome. 

Nonfunctional tumours: These tumours are more familiar; they do not produce hormones or insufficient amounts to cause symptoms. 

3- Origin 

Tumours may also be categorised according to where they originate, such as gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours (GI NETs) or carcinoid tumours of the liver. 

These distinctions are crucial in diagnosing and managing carcinoid tumours effectively. 

Carcinoid Tumours Causes 

Causes of Carcinoid tumours include: 

The exact cause of neuroendocrine carcinoid tumours remains unknown to researchers. However, they have identified several inherited syndromes that may increase the risk of developing these tumours, including: 

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) 

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) 
• Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome 
• Neurofibromatosis type 1 

Signs and Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumours 

The symptoms of carcinoid tumours vary depending on factors such as the tumour’s location, disease severity, and the types of hormones it releases.  

While many carcinoid tumours are initially asymptomatic, signs may emerge as the cancer grows or spreads. Common carcinoid tumours symptoms include: 

• Facial and neck flushing 
• Abdominal pain 
• Anaemia 
• Diarrhoea 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Wheezing  
• Fatigue 
• Heart murmurs 
• Jaundice 
• Low blood pressure 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Shortness of breath 
• Respiratory symptoms 

Respiratory symptoms may include asthma like symptoms masking endobronchial carcinoid. Sometimes breathlessness can be caused by carcinoid tumours obstructing the airway bronchus to one of the lung  lobes causing collapse of that lobe. 

Additionally, specific syndromes may arise due to hormone overproduction by carcinoid tumours, such as Cushing syndrome, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and carcinoid syndrome, each with its set of associated symptoms. 

Carcinoid Tumours Diagnosis 

Carcinoid tumours are diagnosed through a series of tests and procedures aimed at detecting their presence and determining their characteristics: 

• Blood Tests: Elevated levels of certain hormones or their byproducts in the blood may indicate the presence of a carcinoid tumour. 

• Urine Tests: Excess levels of specific chemicals in the urine, produced during the breakdown of hormones secreted by carcinoid tumours, can be detected through urine tests. 

• Imaging Tests: Various imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, X-rays, and nuclear medicine scans are utilised to visualise and locate carcinoid tumours within the body. 

• Endoscopic Procedures: Endoscopy involves using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera or lens to examine internal organs. Procedures like colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, and capsule endoscopy may be performed to detect carcinoid tumours in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and small intestine, respectively. 

• Biopsy: Tissue samples from the tumour are obtained through biopsy procedures to confirm the diagnosis. This may involve needle biopsy or surgical biopsy, depending on the tumour’s location.The gathered tissue is subsequently analysed using a microscope to identify the cell type and assess their level of aggressiveness. 

• Octreotide scan: The octreotide scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure frequently employed to detect carcinoid tumours. It involves the administration of octreotide, a hormone-like medication coupled with a radioactive tracer, via a vein in the hand or arm. Octreotide binds to carcinoid cells and is circulated throughout the body via the bloodstream. 

•  Over several days, specialised scans are conducted to visualise the accumulation of the radioactive tracer, indicating the presence and location of carcinoid tumour cells. 

These diagnostic methods help healthcare professionals accurately diagnose carcinoid tumours and plan appropriate treatment strategies based on the tumour’s characteristics and stage of development. 

Staging 

Cancer staging, represented by Roman numerals I to IV, indicates the extent and spread of cancer in the body. 

A higher numeral denotes more advanced cancer. Additional letters and numbers may provide further details.  

Your healthcare provider will explain your cancer stage and its implications for treatment. Asking questions is essential for understanding your cancer stage. 

Carcinoid Tumours Treatment  

Treatment for carcinoid tumours varies depending on factors such as tumour location, spread, hormone secretion, overall health, and patient preferences: 

• Surgery: Early-stage carcinoid  tumours may be removed entirely through surgery. However, if the cancer is advanced, complete removal may not be feasible. 

• Surgeons may strive to excise a significant portion of the tumour to mitigate symptoms and manage tumour progression. 

• Medications to Control Hormones: Drugs like octreotide and lanreotide, administered via injections, can block hormones secreted by the tumour, alleviating carcinoid syndrome symptoms and slowing tumour growth. Telotristat, taken orally, may also be used with other medications to manage symptoms. 

• Chemotherapy: Strong drugs are used to kill tumour cells, either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced carcinoid tumours that cannot be surgically removed. 

• Targeted Drug Therapy: This treatment targets specific abnormalities within tumour cells, causing them to die. They are usually combined with chemotherapy for advanced carcinoid tumours. 

• Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT): PRRT utilises a combination of a cancer-targeting drug and a radioactive substance to deliver radiation to the cancer cells precisely.This therapy may be an option for advanced carcinoid tumours. 

• Treatment for Liver Metastases: Carcinoid tumours often spread to the liver.  

Treatment options may include liver surgery, hepatic artery embolisation to block blood flow, radiofrequency ablation to deliver heat treatments, and cryoablation to freeze and thaw cancer cells in the liver. 

The goal of these treatment strategies is to alleviate symptoms, inhibit tumour progression, and enhance the overall well-being of individuals affected by carcinoid tumours. 

Choose Dr Taj Chowdhry for Carcinoid Tumour Surgery in Abu Dhabi 

For those grappling with carcinoid tumours, selecting a proficient and empathetic surgeon is paramount for effective treatment.  

Dr Taj Chowdhry   is an esteemed authority in the realm of carcinoid cancer treatment in Abu Dhabi, renowned for his extensive experience and favourable outcomes. Here are several compelling reasons to entrust your care to Dr Taj Chowdhry. 

Over 15 years of dedicated expertise in thoracic surgeries, ensuring a wealth of knowledge and skill in managing complex cases. 

Proficiency across various sub-specialties within thoracic surgery, including advanced minimally invasive techniques, thoracic oncological resections, and specialised procedures like video (uniportal)/robot-assisted surgery. 

Dr Taj Chowdhry’s commitment to compassionate care extends beyond surgical prowess. He comprehends the physical and emotional toll of carcinoid tumours, offering unwavering support and empathy to patients throughout their treatment journey. 

Opt for Dr Taj Chowdhry’s unparalleled expertise, comprehensive approach, and compassionate care in Abu Dhabi for exceptional carcinoid tumour treatment.  

Schedule an appointment today to embark on your recovery journey with confidence and assurance. 

Book an appointment now!