Carcinoid Tumors

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis of carcinoid tumors involves urine and blood tests, imaging tests (e.g., x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan), and may involve exploratory surgery. In some cases, physicians administer a drug (e.g., calcium gluconate, pentagastrin, alcohol) to provoke flushing and help in the diagnosis. These drugs are administered under careful observation in a hospital because they may cause serious side effects.


When a carcinoid is suspected, the levels of serotonin or its by-products (usua...Read the full article