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Usually growing slowly and starting from hormone-producing cells, most usually in the gastrointestinal system or lungs, carcinoid tumours are a form of neuroendocrine tumour. Although they are rare, if left untreated, carcinoid tumours can cause major medical problems. While some stay asymptomatic for years, others generate hormones that cause symptoms—a disorder sometimes known as 'carcinoid syndrome'.
Often resulting from extra serotonin and other chemicals generated by the tumour, flushing, diarrhoea, asthma, and heart valve damage can all be signs of carcinoid syndrome. Usually, diagnosis calls for imaging studies, endoscopy, and biomarker measurement—that of chromogranin A or 5-HIAA in urine.
Tumour size, location, and spread define treatment. Usually the first choice for localised tumours is surgical removal. Treatment options for advanced or metastatic carcinoids include somatostatin analogues, targeted therapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide treatment (PRRT).
Even with their slow development, carcinoid tumours can spread—especially to the liver, which emphasises constant surveillance. Many people can lead long, symptom-free lives with early diagnosis and correct treatment.