This type of cancer forms in the lining of the stomach or the intestines. It is a slow-growing cancer that results in one or more tumors. This cancer can spread from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver. Carcinoid tumors are less common than many other forms of cancer.
Doctors don't know the exact cause of carcinoid tumors. They develop when cells mutate and begin to grow and divide abnormally. Certain factors can raise your risk of the disease. It is more common in older people, in women, and in people who have a family history of a rare inherited disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.
Symptoms of carcinoid tumors include a wide range of digestive problems. They can cause abdominal and rectal pain. They can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. They can cause intestinal blockages. They can also cause redness or warmth in the skin of the face and neck.
Carcinoid tumors are usually treated with surgery and medications. If it spreads to the liver, other treatment options may be needed. Your doctor can develop a treatment plan that is right for your needs.