Understanding Carcinoid Cancer (Neuroendocrine Tumor), Education and Awareness Month: November, 2024
A cancer which is growing slow in neuroendocrine, the tumor that forms in the lung and gastrointestinal tract i.e., from esophagus to the rectum in the body. This cancer is mostly built in the appendix. Women are more likely to face these cancers than men. A Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type (MEN I) will also increase the risk of carcinoid cancers. It is sometimes called the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) that will not show every single symptom. This cancer can be detected only when the cancer creates hormonal changes and it shows the carcinoid cancer. November is the awareness month for both carcinoid and Neuroendocrine cancers. It is most essential to know about how this cancer occurs and also the treatments available for this carcinoid cancers.
When an abnormal cell mass is formed and the nerve cells react to the releasing hormone signals, it helps in the growth and dividing them continuously. This forms in the further mass of cells and creates a functional and non-functional tumor. The hormone-producing cells are known as functional cells and non-hormone-producing cells are known as non functional cells. These carcinoid tumors can also appear in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and thymus. These cells can grow very slowly and so the symptoms usually are not identified for many years.
Most of the time, this carcinoid cancer can be detected by imaging a diagnosis that is done for another reason like suspected appendicitis. Mostly, the symptoms of this cancer arise when the tumor is formed by the hormones that were filtered into the blood by the liver help. These symptoms will change based on the tumor cell mass and the hormones that are released. These symptoms may include:
- Drastic weight gain
- Pain in abdomen
- Feeling full in the stomach
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Diarrhea
- Breathing issue
- Wheezing
- Heavy heart beat
- Fatigue
- Flushing or feeling warmth in face and neck
- Swelling in feet or ankles
A sudden attack of these symptoms at least once is known as carcinoid crisis. These cancers secretes various substances, vasoactive: it will affect more on blood vessels. Serotonin is the most essential one. It may create kallikrein and bradykinin. It may form a reaction called CARCINOID SYNDROME.
These cancers are very rare and many people don’t know about these symptoms and conditions. November is here to remind you to know about these cancers and spread the word. Having a conversation with family members and friends helps us to be aware of this cancer.
What will be the link between carcinoid cancer and zebra stripes?
Wearing zebra stripes ribbon is significant for this cancer. There is a short story behind choosing these zebra stripes is to provide awareness against carcinoid tumor awareness. We had a saying that when medical school students hear the hoof beats, they always think about horses not zebras. Physicians are taught to think about the possibilities while making a diagnosis. Most of the time it looks like a zebra, which is rare. So this is a reminder of the zebra stripe for everybody.
Types of carcinoid tumors
- The tumors occur in the digestive tract from the stomach to the colon and especially appendix are Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors
- The tumors started in the lungs and are divided into typical and atypical carcinoids known as Bronchial carcinoid tumors
- The tumors that are formed in the pancreas, which produce hormones that cause signs are known as Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- The tumors that cause carcinoids in ovaries, testicles and various parts of the body are known as other carcinoid tumors
As the exact reason for these cancers are not clearly known. However there is always chances of increase of risk for the developing these cancers:
- The abnormalities in the genes may create changes such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) will increase the risk of these cancers
- These cancers or the other neuroendocrine tumors with family history are at high risk
- These cancers for the people at the age 60 are at the high risk of developing these cancers
The most common treatment options for these carcinoid cancers are:
The most often best and first treatment for these carcinoid cancers, under surgeries, when they are localized. Resection, a process to remove the tumor and the surrounding tissue. Debulking is a process of removing as much as a tumor when it is spreading. When the tumor spreads to the liver, liver resection and transplantation can be used. There are other treatments and therapies used for these carcinoid cancers such as chemo, targeted, hormonal, immuno and radiation therapy.
There is no proper way to prevent carcinoid cancers but the changes in the lifestyle and some measures will help in decreasing the risk of this cancer. A balanced diet with healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains will decrease the risk of cancer. Regular screenings, medical examinations and people with this cancer family history are at higher risk. Avoiding smoking will also lower the risk of a special cancer called bronchial carcinoid tumors. A family with the genetic alterations and syndromes of this carcinoid cancers performing genetic tests and counseling will help in reducing the risk.
This carcinoid cancer awareness month of November is the most important time for all to get together, raise awareness and support for those who are affected by these rare cancers. By knowing the risk factors, identifying the symptoms and learning for the early detection and treatment suggested. This will make a lot of differences in many millions of peoples lives. So there is a need for us to work together for a future where this cancer will no longer be the cause of death.
Let’s fight together for the awareness of carcinoid cancer and make a huge difference and impact. Remember, every action helps in the fight against carcinoid cancer. Whether it’s educating yourself or others, participating in events, or advocating for change, your involvement can always help to save people’s lives.
Let’s make Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month: November, 2024 a time of hope, action, progress and awareness. Together, we can make a change by standing stronger. Punarjan Ayurveda Hospitals will always stand with you for this step and make you so confident to fight back this cancer. We strive hard with the cooperation from people to bring a cancer-free environment.
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