For example, younger people and non-smokers are more likely to develop carcinoid lung tumors.
Types of Carcinoid Tumors of the Lung
Carcinoid tumors are a form ofneuroendocrinetumor.
Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body, including the lungs.
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If these cells multiply excessively, they form small carcinoid tumors.
These tumors can form in organs throughout the body.
Only 3 out of 10 carcinoid tumors are found in the lungs.
Carcinoid tumors of the lung are divided into two primary types: typical and atypical.
Your healthcare providers may become concerned that you could have cancer if your infection persists despite antibiotic treatment.
Less commonly, carcinoids may present with symptoms of advanced cancer such as loss of appetite and weight loss.
Related to Hormone Secretions
Some carcinoid tumors secrete hormones or hormone-like substances into the bloodstream.
In addition, rare effects can also occur as a result of hormonal secretions from carcinoid tumors.
This can lead to multiple systemic effects and the need for more than one treatment strategy.
Causes and Risk Factors
Thecauses and risk factors of carcinoid lung tumorsare not known.
Unlike other pulmonary diseases, smoking and air pollutants don’t seem to be associated with it.
Treatment
Since carcinoid tumors can differ from each other, the treatment options vary.
At the early stage of the disease, surgery is usually considered the best treatment.
Several medications are currently approved for treatment of advanced carcinoid tumors.
For small tumors, alobectomyor even awedge resectionmay be considered.
This targeted drug works by interrupting the body’s signaling pathway that promotes cancer growth.
It’s taken as a daily pill, and it may improve survival.
They can control tumor growth and reduce symptoms but are not curative.
Prognosis
When carcinoid tumors can be removed surgically, the prognosis is relatively good.
Carcinoid tumors associated with the genetic syndrome MEN1 tend to be more aggressive and have lower survival rates.
TheCarcinoid Cancer Foundationis a non-profit organization committed to supporting people with carcinoid tumors.
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