Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing tumors that can arise in several places throughout the body.Carcinoid tumors are a subset of tumors calledneuroendocrine tumors(NETs) that usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, duodenum, colon, or rectum) or in the lungs. In some cases, carcinoid tumors can begin in other parts of the body, such as the testicles or ovaries.
While carcinoid tumors are cancerous, they are unique in that they are considered to be “cancer in slow motion.“In rare cases, carcinoid tumors may metastasize (spread to other areas of the body).
Verywell / Jessica Olah
If you have a carcinoid tumor, you may have it for years and never know it. Carcinoid cancers grow very slowly; they are typically diagnosed after age 55, but they are also diagnosed at a younger age.
What Is Carcinoid Syndrome?
Among carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal tumors make up 60% of all neuroendocrine tumors.The incidence (frequency of disease) of carcinoid tumors is greater in Black people than in white people. Black men also have a higher risk of developing carcinoid tumors than Black women, although these factors are understudied.
Carcinoid Tumor Symptoms
The symptoms of carcinoid tumor depend on where it is located in the body and where chemicals are secreted in the bloodstream.If the carcinoid tumor is located in the digestive tract, symptoms may include:
If the carcinoid tumor is in the lungs, symptoms may include:
However, some studies have shown that patients with a rare condition calledmultiple endocrine neoplasiatype 1 (MEN1) have a higher chance of developing bronchial and intestinal carcinoid tumor.This suggests that the MEN1 gene may play a role in carcinoid tumors of the lung and digestive tract.
Small carcinoid tumors may be difficult to detect and therefore difficult todiagnose. Often, these tumors are detected during surgery or in an exam for another condition. However, there are tests that can be used to detect carcinoid tumors, including:
Blood Tests Used to Diagnose Cancer
If small carcinoid tumors have not spread yet, the best treatment is surgery. If the tumor has become too big or has metastasized, other treatments that are available include:
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the five-year relative survival rate of people in the United States who are diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid tumor is about 90%.However, this percentage may change depending on how far the cancer has spread, a person’s age, overall health, and available treatments.
The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database tracks the five-year relative survival rates of people with GI carcinoid tumors based solely on how far the cancer has spread. These categories include localized, regional, and distant stages, which are:
5-Year Relative Survival Rate of GI Carcinoid TumorsSEER Stage5-Year Relative Survival RateLocalized97%Regional95%Distant66%All SEER stages combined94%Data collected 2011–2017Cancer Statistics and Facts in the United StatesCopingEach person with cancer develops their own way of coping. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or would like guidance, talk to a healthcare professional. Also consider the following steps to help you deal with your diagnosis:Find out enough about carcinoid tumors to make decisions about your care: Ask your doctor questions about your condition. The more open and honest conversations with your healthcare provider, the better informed you’ll be in taking the necessary steps to manage and treat your condition.Talk to others with cancer: Cancer support groups can help put you in contact with people who have faced or are facing the same challenges. Ask your doctor about cancer support groups in your area. You may also contact your local chapter of theACSor theCarcinoid Cancer Foundation.Control what you can about your health: A cancer diagnosis can make you feel as if you have no control over your health. But you can take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that you’ll better cope with your cancer treatment.Eat healthy meals and get enough exercise: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system.When you feel up to it, work light exercise into your daily routine. Cut stress when possible and get plenty of sleep so that you feel rested when you wake up. These are simple but important steps to improve your mental well-being and overall health.SummaryCarcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing tumors that are part of a subset called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). They can arise in several places throughout the body, such as the digestive tract or in the lungs. Symptoms vary depending on location of the tumor and where chemicals are released in the bloodstream.Small carcinoid tumors may be difficult to detect and, therefore, diagnose. However, once found, there are many options for treatment. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, medications, and liver treatment (if the tumor has spread to the liver).The survival rate for those with carcinoid tumors is promising, especially if the cancer has not spread.A Word From VerywellA tumor or cancer diagnosis can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. Do not be afraid to have open and honest conversations with your healthcare provider abouttreatment options. Seeking support from others who are facing a similar diagnosis can also be beneficial, as they can share their experiences with various treatments and provide emotional and psychological support.Most importantly, do not give up on hope. On average, the relative survival rate of GI carcinoid tumor is high when appropriate and immediate treatments are utilized. In general, cancer treatments—and survival rates—are improving. It’s estimated that there are 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is growing.Not only are more people surviving cancer, but many are thriving, with a new sense of purpose and appreciation of life after their disease.
Cancer Statistics and Facts in the United States
Each person with cancer develops their own way of coping. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or would like guidance, talk to a healthcare professional. Also consider the following steps to help you deal with your diagnosis:
Summary
Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing tumors that are part of a subset called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). They can arise in several places throughout the body, such as the digestive tract or in the lungs. Symptoms vary depending on location of the tumor and where chemicals are released in the bloodstream.
Small carcinoid tumors may be difficult to detect and, therefore, diagnose. However, once found, there are many options for treatment. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, medications, and liver treatment (if the tumor has spread to the liver).
The survival rate for those with carcinoid tumors is promising, especially if the cancer has not spread.
A Word From Verywell
A tumor or cancer diagnosis can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. Do not be afraid to have open and honest conversations with your healthcare provider abouttreatment options. Seeking support from others who are facing a similar diagnosis can also be beneficial, as they can share their experiences with various treatments and provide emotional and psychological support.
Most importantly, do not give up on hope. On average, the relative survival rate of GI carcinoid tumor is high when appropriate and immediate treatments are utilized. In general, cancer treatments—and survival rates—are improving. It’s estimated that there are 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is growing.Not only are more people surviving cancer, but many are thriving, with a new sense of purpose and appreciation of life after their disease.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Carcinoid tumor.Vinik A, Hughes MS, Feliberti E, et al.Carcinoid tumors. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.Mayo Clinic.Carcinoid tumors.Cooper GM.The development and causes of cancer.The Cell: A Molecular Approach 2nd edition. Published online 2000.National Cancer Institute.Carcinoid Tumor.Balakrishna P, George S, Hatoum H, Mukherjee S.Serotonin pathway in cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 22(3):1268. doi:10.3390/ijms22031268Qiao XW, Qiu L, Chen YJ, et al.Chromogranin A is a reliable serum diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors but not for insulinomas.BMC Endocr Disord. 14:64. doi:10.1186/1472-6823-14-64Gut P, Ruchała M.Evaluation of 5-hydroxyindoloacetic acid excretion in urine in patients with small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasm and carcinoid syndrome treated with somatostatin analogues.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 40(7-8):315-318.OncoLink.Octreotide scan.Pinchot SN, Holen K, Sippel RS, Chen H.Carcinoid tumors.Oncologist. 13(12):1255-1269. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0207American Cancer Society.Survival rates for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211Miller KD, Nogueira L, Devasia T, et al.Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2022.CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72(5):409-436. doi:10.3322/caac.21731
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Carcinoid tumor.Vinik A, Hughes MS, Feliberti E, et al.Carcinoid tumors. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.Mayo Clinic.Carcinoid tumors.Cooper GM.The development and causes of cancer.The Cell: A Molecular Approach 2nd edition. Published online 2000.National Cancer Institute.Carcinoid Tumor.Balakrishna P, George S, Hatoum H, Mukherjee S.Serotonin pathway in cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 22(3):1268. doi:10.3390/ijms22031268Qiao XW, Qiu L, Chen YJ, et al.Chromogranin A is a reliable serum diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors but not for insulinomas.BMC Endocr Disord. 14:64. doi:10.1186/1472-6823-14-64Gut P, Ruchała M.Evaluation of 5-hydroxyindoloacetic acid excretion in urine in patients with small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasm and carcinoid syndrome treated with somatostatin analogues.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 40(7-8):315-318.OncoLink.Octreotide scan.Pinchot SN, Holen K, Sippel RS, Chen H.Carcinoid tumors.Oncologist. 13(12):1255-1269. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0207American Cancer Society.Survival rates for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211Miller KD, Nogueira L, Devasia T, et al.Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2022.CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72(5):409-436. doi:10.3322/caac.21731
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Carcinoid tumor.Vinik A, Hughes MS, Feliberti E, et al.Carcinoid tumors. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.Mayo Clinic.Carcinoid tumors.Cooper GM.The development and causes of cancer.The Cell: A Molecular Approach 2nd edition. Published online 2000.National Cancer Institute.Carcinoid Tumor.Balakrishna P, George S, Hatoum H, Mukherjee S.Serotonin pathway in cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 22(3):1268. doi:10.3390/ijms22031268Qiao XW, Qiu L, Chen YJ, et al.Chromogranin A is a reliable serum diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors but not for insulinomas.BMC Endocr Disord. 14:64. doi:10.1186/1472-6823-14-64Gut P, Ruchała M.Evaluation of 5-hydroxyindoloacetic acid excretion in urine in patients with small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasm and carcinoid syndrome treated with somatostatin analogues.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 40(7-8):315-318.OncoLink.Octreotide scan.Pinchot SN, Holen K, Sippel RS, Chen H.Carcinoid tumors.Oncologist. 13(12):1255-1269. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0207American Cancer Society.Survival rates for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211Miller KD, Nogueira L, Devasia T, et al.Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2022.CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72(5):409-436. doi:10.3322/caac.21731
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Carcinoid tumor.
Vinik A, Hughes MS, Feliberti E, et al.Carcinoid tumors. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.
Mayo Clinic.Carcinoid tumors.
Cooper GM.The development and causes of cancer.The Cell: A Molecular Approach 2nd edition. Published online 2000.
National Cancer Institute.Carcinoid Tumor.
Balakrishna P, George S, Hatoum H, Mukherjee S.Serotonin pathway in cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 22(3):1268. doi:10.3390/ijms22031268
Qiao XW, Qiu L, Chen YJ, et al.Chromogranin A is a reliable serum diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors but not for insulinomas.BMC Endocr Disord. 14:64. doi:10.1186/1472-6823-14-64
Gut P, Ruchała M.Evaluation of 5-hydroxyindoloacetic acid excretion in urine in patients with small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasm and carcinoid syndrome treated with somatostatin analogues.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 40(7-8):315-318.
OncoLink.Octreotide scan.
Pinchot SN, Holen K, Sippel RS, Chen H.Carcinoid tumors.Oncologist. 13(12):1255-1269. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0207
American Cancer Society.Survival rates for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.
Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211
Miller KD, Nogueira L, Devasia T, et al.Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2022.CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72(5):409-436. doi:10.3322/caac.21731
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