Carcinoid Syndrome, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Diseases

Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumorsTumors of the small intestine, colon, appendix, and bronchial tubesCarcinoid tumors produce the vasoactive substance, serotoninVasodilation of the blood vessels causes flushingThe flushing results from secretion of kallikreinBy converting of kininogen to lysyl-bradykinin. Other components of the carcinoid syndrome are diarrheaDiversion of large amounts of niacin causes pellagraThere are symptoms of intermittent pain in the abdomenThere are also breathing difficulty and heart palpitationsThe most useful diagnostic test 5-HIAA levels in urineFor the end product of metabolism of the serotoninSurgery to remove the tumor is usually the first treatment.
In severe cases there is surgical debulking managementWhere surgery will not work Octreotide (Sandostatin) injectionsAre given to the patients to prevent tumor progression-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the Carcinoid SyndromeA Healthy Lifestyle1. Take a well Balanced Diet2. Treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome:a. Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first treatment. It can permanently cure the condition if the tumor is completely removed.
If the tumor has spread to the liver, treatment involves destroying the local blood supply of the tumor or giving chemotherapy directly into the liver. When the entire tumor cannot be removed, removing large portions of the tumor ("debulking") can help relieve the symptoms.b. Octreotide (Sandostatin) injections are sometimes given to people with advanced carcinoid tumors that cannot be removed with surgery.c.
Interferon is often given with octreotide to help stop tumor growth. Patients whose carcinoid tumor secretes histamine will benefit from treatment with antihistamine drugs. People with carcinoid syndrome should avoid alcohol, large meals, and foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, avocado, many processed foods) because they may trigger symptoms.3. Keep bones and body strongEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Rest your eyes and close your eyes every half hourlyLook far in the distance or look at green treesSit comfortably in an armchair or on a settee and relax with your eyes closed.6.
Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.7. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. People who drink more than this may have a higher chance for developing osteoporosis.
Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.8. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. Chapter 1Carcinoid syndromeWhat is Carcinoid syndrome?Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors - tumors of the small intestine, colon, appendix, and bronchial tubes in the lungs. The carcinoid syndrome occurs in approximately 5% of carcinoid tumors and becomes manifest when vasoactive substances from the tumors enter the systemic circulation escaping hepatic degradation.
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