User:Mr. Ibrahem/Carcinoid syndrome

Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur as a result of substances released by neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid tumors). Symptoms may includes flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, itchiness, muscle wasting, and tiredness. Complications may include low blood pressure, niacin deficiency, and valvular heart disease, most commonly tricuspid insufficiency.

It occurs in about 10% of people with neuroendocrine tumors. Most commonly these are tumors that involve the midgut and spread to the liver. Attacks may be triggered by eating, alcohol, or stress. The mechanism involve substances such as serotonin, histamine, tachykinins, kallikrein, and prostaglandins. It is classified as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Diagnosis is generally by 24 hour urine 5-HIAA followed by medical imaging to locate the tumor.

Treatment may include octreotide, lanreotide, surgery, and chemotherapy. Carcinoid syndrome is rare. About 5 per million people are newly affected a year. Onsets is most often around 55 to 60 years old. Males and females are effected nearly equally. The condition was first described in 1953.