endocrine and metabolic disorders
Carcinoid Syndrome
Key Points
Only some carcinoid tumors secrete the substances that cause carcinoid syndrome. The main causative substances are serotonin, which causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and histamine, which causes flushing. Diagnosis is made by detection of theserotoninmetabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Octreotidemay help control symptoms. Surgical resection may be curative in the absence of metastases. Surgical debulking may help relieve symptoms and possibly prolong survival in patients with hepatic metastases. 