Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
carcinoid syndrome
A paraneoplastic syndrome caused by hormone secretion from functional neuroendocrine tumors.
Full Definition
Carcinoid syndrome is a collection of symptoms that occurs when functional neuroendocrine tumors secrete excessive amounts of bioactive substances, particularly serotonin and other vasoactive compounds. Classic symptoms include flushing, diarrhea, bronchospasm, and in advanced cases, carcinoid heart disease. The syndrome typically occurs when tumors have metastasized to the liver or when primary tumors arise outside the gastrointestinal tract, bypassing hepatic metabolism of secreted substances.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from carcinoid tumor, which refers to the neoplasm itself.
In Context
- "The patient presented with classic carcinoid syndrome symptoms including episodic flushing and secretory diarrhea." — clinical presentation
- "Carcinoid syndrome was suspected based on elevated 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA levels." — diagnostic workup
Also known as
carcinoid crisis
serotonin syndrome
Don't confuse with
carcinoid tumor
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome