Introduction

A carcinoid tumour is arare cancerof the neuroendocrine systemthe body system that produces hormones.

The tumourusually growsin the bowels or appendix, but it can also be found in the stomach, pancreas, lung, breast, kidney, ovaries or testicles. It tends to grow very slowly.

"Carcinoid syndrome" is the collection of symptoms some people get when a carcinoid tumour usually one that has spread to the liver releases hormones such as serotonin into the bloodstream.

About 1,200 people are diagnosed with a carcinoid tumour each year in the UK, but it's thought that less than1 in 10 of them will have carcinoid syndrome.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016