Carcinoid syndrome should definitely be considered. Diarrhea occurs in 80 percent of cases. Stools may vary from few to more than 30 per day, are typically watery and nonbloody, and can be explosive and accompanied by abdominal cramping. The diarrhea is usually unrelated to flushing episodes.
Flushing occurs in 85 percent of cases. It primarily involves the face, neck and upper chest, which become red to violaceous or purple, and is associated with a mild burning sensation. Most flushing episodes occur spontaneously, but they can be provoked by eating, drinking alcohol, defecation, emotional events, palpation of the liver, and anesthesia.
The most useful initial diagnostic test for the carcinoid syndrome is to measure 24-hour urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (HIAA), which is the end product of serotonin metabolism. Determination of the whole blood serotonin concentration should also be considered. These tests should definitely be considered if carcinoid syndrome is suspected.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Bibliography:
Sitaraman. The carcinoid syndrome. UptoDate, 2003.
Hi,
Yes, yours was the post I referred to.. I have to say, I'm a bit scared out of my wits right now and I don't see my gastroenterologist until next week. Please keep me posted on how you are doing, I will keep my fingers crossed that things turn out ok for you!
Hi pixie 1969,
Well I finally saw a GI Doc yesterday. It has been 2 years. Unfortunately nobody has found an answer for me and I have had problems my Internal Med Doc's. They want me to let it go. They said physiologically I am healthy and maybe I should talk to a psychiatrist so I can better deal with my unexplained symptoms. I find this unexceptable. I have been tested up the wahzoo but with no answers.
This GI Doc was fantastic. He said I should continue to search for an answer yet be reassured that everything is ok at this point. I was inspired. Finally someone who wants to help. He said my symptoms were weird and didn't think it was carcinoid although my symptoms are similar. He said bronchial carcinoid is still a possibility but he didn't know much about it.
We started with a chest x ray, which of coarse was neg, and a serum seratonin. He said he would give me a CT of the Thorax after trying protonix for 4-6 weeks. Hey, at least he belives me.
I am glad everything has been normal to this point but I fera what the true cause is. Well I'll ust have to trust in the Lord.
I don't know where else to go with this. My life has changed so much. I am not myself the past 2 years. I have made some wonderful changes in my life, things I wish I had done years ago but I also have given up so much. I just want my life back. I'd love an answer.
I hope you get one. Then at least you'll know what your up against. Keep telling yourself that YOU WILL WIN.
Keep me updated.
***@****
Pixie,
HI, I also had a question regarding carcinoid syndrome posted as Any Clues on August 8th.
Sounds like carcinoid to me based on everything I've read. Not only do you want a urine for 5HIAA but you should get a CT of the abdomen.
My story is alot different and I suspect bronchial as my symptoms are similar to carcinoid as Lung carcinoid can be. I'm still seeking information on lung carcinoid.
Carcinoid is a very slow growing tumor. '
I wish you all the best and good luck, you have my full support.
Ed
Pixie,
HI, I also had a question regarding carcinoid syndrome posted as Any Clues on August 8th.
Sounds like carcinoid to me based on everything I've read. Not only do you want a urine for 5HIAA but you should get a CT of the abdomen.
My story is alot different and I suspect bronchial as my symptoms are similar to carcinoid as Lung carcinoid can be. I'm still seeking information on lung carcinoid.
Carcinoid is a very slow growing tumor. '
I wish you all the best and good luck, you have my full support.
Ed