Carcinoid tumours are very rare and affect the neuroendocrine system (which releases hormones into the body to control the functioning of other organs). The majority of carcinoid tumours start in the appendix or small bowl although they can also originate in other areas of the digestive system. Other less common areas of the body that these tumours may originate in are: lungs, bile ducts, gall bladder, stomach, kidneys, pancreas, ovaries or testicals.

Carcinoid tumours tend to be slow growing and so can go undetected for some time. However there are faster growing carcinoid tumours, these tumours are more likely to spread to the surrounding tissue and go on to spread to other parts of the body.

Some carcinoid tumours do not cause any noticeable symptoms and are diagnosed after discovery during an unrelated operation or medical procedure. However depending on where the tumour has formed symptoms may present.

Things to look out for

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Abdomen pain: if the tumour has formed in the digestive system you may experience pain or discomfort in the abdomen (tummy). This pain tends to be reoccurring rather than continuous.
• Being and feeling sick: you feel as though you need to be sick (nausea) or you may actually be sick (vomit).
• Changes in bowel habit: You may notice change in the amount of times you pass stool.

Carcinoid tumours which originate in the lung may cause other symptoms such as:

• Chest infections and shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood/ a cough.

Some carcinoid tumours (especially those which have spread to the liver) may cause some symptoms which have been grouped together and are known as Carcinoid Syndrome. Symptoms include:

• Weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Diarrhoea .
• Wheezing (comparable to asthma).
• Skin flushing.

Symptoms of Carcinoid Syndrome can be exacerbated by diet and drinking alcohol. The dietician at Harley Street at Queen's will be able to advise and support you on how best to manage these symptoms.