carcinoid tumour

see also:

• post-prandial diarrhoea

• neuroendocrine tumour derived from primitive stem cells in the gut wall but can arise elsewhere
• high potential for metastasis

• recurrent abdo pains
• cutaneous flushing
• malabsorption and diarrhoea
• valvular heart lesions
• endocardial fibrosis
• may result in congestive cardiac failure
• wheezing, asthma-like syndrome in some

• 24 hour urinary 5-HIAA levels are usually elevated
• fasting plasma 5-HIAA assay is more convenient than the 24hr urine collection
• if either of the above are positive, consider imaging such as:
  • octreotide nuclear med scan
  • PET scan at an oncology centre (however in Australia, not covered by Medicare unless known tumour)