Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that arises from hormone-producing cells. Although they can occur in many different organs, the American Society of Clinical Oncology notes that they most frequently arise in the gastrointestinal system, including the colon. Although these tumors grow slowly, they are still dangerous and can spread to other tissues.
Origins
Carcinoid colon cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, arises from neuro-endocrine cells in the colon. Neuro-endocrine cells are special cells that produce hormones in response to stimulation from the nervous system. Because these tumors arise from hormone-producing cells, carcinoid tumors often produce high amounts of some hormones, which can contribute to some of the symptoms of this type of colon cancer.
Symptoms
Carcinoid tumors in the gastrointestinal system, Medline Plus explains, typically grow slowly, so they cause no symptoms for many years. When these tumors do cause symptoms, some of them can be caused by the hormones that the tumors produce, resulting in a condition known as carcinoid syndrome. This can lead to flushing of the skin and diarrhea. Other signs of carcinoid syndrome include heart palpitations, wheezing and low blood pressure. In addition, the tumor itself can cause some symptoms, the Mayo Clinic explains. These include abdominal and rectal pain, changes in bowel movements and rectal bleeding.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors can predispose people to developing carcinoid colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Two different genetic disorders, called multiple endocrine neoplasia I and neurofibromatosis type 1 can both lead to the development of carcinoid tumors. African-Americans are also more likely to develop this type of cancer. In addition, the American Cancer Society notes that a study done in Europe found that smoking could also increase a person's risk of developing carcinoid tumors, though further research is needed.
Diagnosis
Colon tumors, the Mayo Clinic explains, can often be diagnosed using a colonoscopy, in which a small flexible camera is inserted up the patient's rectum to view the inside of the colon. Blood and urine tests can also identify high levels of hormones produced by the carcinoid tumor. A biopsy of the tumor is needed to definitively diagnose a carcinoid tumor, however.
Treatment
The most common treatment for carcinoid tumors of the colon, according to the American Cancer Society, is surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Patients can also receive chemotherapy, in which medications are given to the patient that poison the cancerous cells. Commonly used chemotherapeutic compounds include doxorubicin, 5-fluorauracil, cisplatin and etoposide. Radiation treatment uses high energy X-ray beams to kill the cancer cells. Carcinoid syndrome can be treated with octreotide to relieve some of the symptoms of the excessive hormone levels.
