Common triggers for flushing include exercise, stress, and alcoholic beverages.
You may experience this during an episode of skin flushing. If this happens, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to rule out possible causes. Seek emergency care if you cannot get your breath.
Talk to your doctor to rule out other causes of diarrhea before settling on carcinoid syndrome.
A drop in blood pressure may occur concurrently with changes in your heartbeat.
You may also cough up blood. If the condition goes undetected for an extended period of time, you could develop pneumonia.
Remember, weight gain alone does not mean that you have carcinoid syndrome.
Increased hair growth can have many causes. Your doctor can help find what’s causing your hair growth and identify possible treatments.
Ask your doctor if there are any pre-appointment restrictions you should follow, such as fasting. If you doctor suspects carcinoid syndrome, they’ll refer you to a specialist, such as an oncologist, endocrinologist, or surgeon. [10] X Research source
While this test is not at all painful, you may be inconvenienced if the doctor decides to collect your urine over 24 hrs. You will need to urinate in either a special cup or a pan in order to collect your urine. You will then save the urine by placing it in your refrigerator until it’s time to return it to the doctor. It’s best to do this on a day you’ll be home. [13] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Radionuclide is a small amount of radioactive substance, so it will show up on the CT or MRI. This allows the doctor to check for abnormal areas or masses, which could indicate a tumor. The doctor will start with your abdomen, which is where these tumors are most often located. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to evaluate the tumor.
This test will likely make you uncomfortable, but it will not hurt as you will be under sedation.
Your doctor may perform your biopsy either in the hospital or in an outpatient procedure. You will likely feel a lot of discomfort, but the doctor will give you medication to reduce pain. For a lung biopsy, the doctor may decide to send an endoscopic camera down your throat to retrieve the biopsy. A biopsy may also be performed through the outside of the rib cage while you are under general anesthesia. If you are already having surgery near the area, the doctor may take the biopsy then.
This procedure will be an inpatient procedure. For some individuals, it will relieve the symptoms. However, you may need more treatment if the cancer has spread.
These medicines are more commonly prescribed when the tumor has spread. In some cases, the doctor will also prescribe alpha-interferon, which helps improve your immune system. Together, these medications can help reduce the size of your tumor.
Your doctor may not recommend chemotherapy if you are still feeling unwell.
