Pancreatic tumors with carcinoid syndrome

In most cases, they are found in the intestine in the area of the ileocecal angle and in the bronchi, while they are rarely functioning.

Pancreatic carcinoid is capable of secreting virtually all peptides that are characteristic of ortho- and para- endocrine neoplasms.

Symptoms of the pancreatic tumors with carcinoid syndrome

Carcinoid syndrome is caused by the secretion of biogenic amines and is clinically manifested by hot flashes,  tachycardia, diarrhea and attacks of bronchial asthma. The presence of clinical manifestations indicates the overcoming of the hepatic barrier by biogenic amines as a result of the metastatic process.

Diagnostics of the pancreatic tumors with carcinoid syndrome

Laboratory diagnostics allows revealing high levels of serotonin, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptophan in the blood of patients, as well as increased urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

Treatment of the pancreatic tumors with carcinoid syndrome

Medical treatment of carcinoid syndrome consists in the combined use of antagonists of H1 and H2 receptors of histamine or methyldopa. There are observations of the positive effect of the use of somatostatin.