The Causes And Symptoms Of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors
The causes and symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors
The neuroendocrine system can be described as a network of glands producing hormones that are carried into the bloodstream. There are different roles that these hormones play in the human body.
The carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor is a very rare tumor that shows up in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Around 80% of these tumors grow in the small bowel and the appendix. However, they can even grow in the lungs, pancreas, ovaries, stomach, testicles, and kidneys. These tumors develop at varied rates, and they are usually slow at developing. They might develop over several months and even years.
What are the causes of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors?
Experts are still not aware of the main causes of neuroendocrine tumors. However, there are certain conditions that might make you a victim of these tumors. These are called risk factors, and they are situations and diseases that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of neuroendocrine tumors are as listed:
- Some diseases that are caused due to family history or genes passed to an individual through their family can increase their chances of having a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor.
What are the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors?
Neuroendocrine tumors are generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. People with these tumors might experience certain symptoms, or they might not have any signs or changes in their body. The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include the following:
- Anxiety attacks
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- A fever
- Rapid pulse
- Clammy skin
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations
- Weight loss
- Flushing
- Severe diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Increased heart rate
- Appetite loss
- Sudden changes in blood pressure
Always keep in mind that neuroendocrine tumors are rare and therefore the above-mentioned symptoms might be the result of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors?
- If you go through carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor prognosis, you will be able to find that these tumors are either malignant or benign.
- The benign tumors tend to be small and can easily be removed completely, not to come back again.
- There are no symptoms produced if you are suffering from benign carcinoid tumors.
- The cells from these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.
- The malignant or cancerous carcinoid tumors are large and can damage organs and tissues close to them.
- The cells of these tumors can easily break and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to form new tumors.
How can carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors be prevented?
- There is no way of preventing these tumors at present.
- However, quitting or not starting to smoke might reduce the risk of these tumors.
It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and a good lifestyle in order to prevent such tumors.
