Two types of tumors
Carcinoid tumors can be active or inactive. This means that if a carcinoid tumor is active it will release excess hormones into the body that can possibly lead to a set of symptoms called carcinoid syndrome. If the carcinoid tumors are inactive, then they may not produce any symptoms at all, making them even more difficult to diagnose.
Subtle signs and symptoms of carcinoid tumors
The symptoms associated with active carcinoid tumors can be subtle and common to other types of GI disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms are often vague and hard to track. Symptoms can result from the excess hormone and their effects on the body, but also from the physical size of the tumor, its metastases, and its effect on different organ functions.2-4
Signs and Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumors3,4
Abdominal pain
Intestinal obstruction (blockage)
Abdominal mass (tumor)
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Rectal bleeding
Constipation
Diarrhea
Carcinoid tumors can also be very small in size
Some of them can be less than a centimeter in size.3 Patients with carcinoid tumors can spend several years without receiving an accurate diagnosis. Many of these patients spend this time being treated for a GI disorder like irritable bowel syndrome.
Active carcinoid tumors can lead to carcinoid syndrome
"Carcinoid syndrome" refers to the set of symptoms that result from active carcinoid tumors, ie from the excess hormones carcinoid tumors release into the body. The most commonly overproduced hormone of active carcinoid tumors is serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood, sleep, and can inhibit the normal function of the stomach. Serotonin is found abundantly in the gastrointestinal system.2-4
When carcinoid tumors start to spread or metastasize, they can start producing excess hormones that can lead to these sudden and severe symptoms. In many cases, patients are diagnosed after these symptoms start to develop.1,2
The symptoms of carcinoid syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome can include a set of symptoms that range in severity. Some patients may experience all or just some of these symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are diarrhea and flushing, which means that you turn red and feel warm. Diarrhea and flushing symptoms can occur at the same time or you can experience one without the other.5,6
Symptoms Associated With Flushing3,4
- Flushing is temporary or constant and appears suddenly on the face or neck
- The flush looks deep red or purple
- You may also feel warm, unpleasant, and have a rapid heartbeat
- The flush can last from a few minutes to hours
Having excessive diarrhea can drain your body of water, causing dehydration and loss of electrolytes or nutrients and minerals. This can affect your digestion, body weight, and nutrition absorption, leaving you feeling weak and tired.3-5
Symptoms Associated With Diarrhea3
- Stools are watery
- The diarrhea can be mild to severe
- Episodes can occur several times a day and can interfere with daily life
There are also other internal and external symptoms of carcinoid syndrome that include:
Symptoms Associated With Carcinoid Syndrome3,4
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Wheezing
- Heart valvular lesions
- Arthritis
- Pellagra (rash)
- Cyanosis (bluish skin)
- Telangiectasia (red blotches)
Carcinoid syndrome can make it hard for you to feel comfortable, perform day-to-day tasks, or feel like yourself. It is important to always keep your healthcare team informed if you experience any of these symptoms, so you can get effective treatment for them.
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated for long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors and for the long-term treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors in patients in whom initial treatment with immediate release Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective and tolerated.
Important Safety Information
As with immediate release Sandostatin® Injection, the most frequently reported drug-related adverse events were biliary disorders (62%), gastrointestinal disorders (14% to 38%), and injection-site pain (20% to 50%). Hypoglycemia (4%), hyperglycemia (27%), sinus bradycardia (19%), conduction abnormalities (9%), and arrhythmias (3%) have been reported.
The controlled clinical trials that support the marketing clearance for Sandostatin® LAR Depot did not include determination of effect on tumor size or rate of growth. Sandostatin® LAR Depot is not indicated for tumor shrinkage. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
