Neuroendocrine cancer is a rare cancer affecting only 125,000 patients in the United States, about five in 100,000 cases are diagnosed in a year. Neuroendocrine cancer is frequently misdiagnosed as common illnesses such as IBS, Chron’s, asthma and even the effects of menopause. It has the unfortunate legacy of originally being known as a benign “cancer-like” disease because it tends to be slow growing. Patients can go months, or even
Carcinoid Syndrome is caused by carcinoid tumors that most commonly arise in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Carcinoid syndrome is the set of symptoms that may occur in patients who have carcinoid tumors. Not all people with carcinoid tumors have carcinoid syndrome. The syndrome occurs when carcinoid tumors overproduce substances such as serotonin that normally circulate throughout your body. This overproduction of serotonin and other hormones is what causes the
Carcinoid crisis is the immediate onset of debilitating and life-threatening symptoms that are associated with carcinoid syndrome. It can occur spontaneously or be precipitated by the Five E’s. Symptoms include prolonged severe flushing, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia severe dyspnea, peripheral cyanosis and sometimes hemodynamic instability. Other very serious conditions include: Tahycardia: heart beating to fast Severe Dyspnea: Shortness of breath Peripheral Cyanosis: Lack of oxygen in the blood causing a bluish discoloration of the skin Hemodynamic Instability: Circulatory Shock or Advanced Heart Failure
There are certain activities and situations that can trigger carcinoid syndrome, the worst case scenario being carcinoid crisis. Each person is different and one person’s trigger may not affect another’s. It’s wise to take note if certain foods or activities cause carcinoid symptoms to act up. In some cases it can be a combination of triggers that can cause a reaction. Keep a log book of foods, activities and medications if you
Living with cancer can seem like an overwhelming prospect, but there are many organizations providing services that strive to make your journey easier. Minnesota Specific Resources Cleaning Up for Cancer If you are located in the seven county Metro of Minneapolis-St. Paul, this organization can help. They are supported entirely by corporate and private donations along with grants, currently allowing two cleanings per patient. Pathways Minneapolis Pathways’ mission is to
