carcinoid syndrome

Carcinoid syndrome refers to the array of symptoms that occur secondary to carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors are discrete, yellow, well-circumscribed tumors that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract (GI). They most commonly affect the appendix, ileum, and rectum. These tumors are unique in that they are endocrine in nature. They secrete hormones into the blood stream, which then travel to end organs and act upon them via appropriate receptors. Although quite rare, 15 cases/1,000,000 population, carcinoid tumors account for 75% of GI endocrine tumors.
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Carcinoid syndrome n. A group of signs and symptoms including diarrhea, bronchospasm, skin flushing, and valvular heart disease caused primarily by [more]Carcinoid syndrome - Community and Resources

[KAR-sin-oyd]
A combination of symptoms caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from carcinoid tumors of thegastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include flushing of the face, flat angiomas (small collections of dilated blood vessels) of the skin, diarrhea, bronchial spasms, rapid pulse, and sudden drops in blood pressure.

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Carcinoid syndrome occurs in only 5% of patients with carcinoid tumours and only when liver metastases are present.
Due to cacinoid tumours there is excessive production of a variety of biochemically active amines and peptides including serotonin(5HT),bradykinin,histamine and tachykinins which produce biochemical abnormalities.Patients complain of:
*Bluish-red flushing on skin predominantly on face and neck.
*Abdominal pain and recurrent waterry diarrhoea.
*Cardiac abnormalities includes pulmonary stenosis or tricuspid incompetence.
*examination of abdomin reveals hepatomegaly.