Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea Treatment Includes Dietary Changes and Medications

 

Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition that can occur in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). These tumors produce excess amounts of hormones and can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, flushing, and wheezing. Diarrhea is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, and it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. There are several treatments available for carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, including dietary changes, medications, and medical procedures.

Dietary changes are often the first line of Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea Treatment for patients with carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. Certain foods and beverages can trigger symptoms, so it is important to avoid these as much as possible. Common trigger foods include spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate. Patients may also be advised to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help reduce the likelihood of diarrhea.

In addition to dietary changes, medications are often used as carcinoid syndrome diarrhea treatment. The most common medications used for this purpose are somatostatin analogs, such as octreotide and lanreotide. These medications work by blocking the release of hormones from the NETs, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea. Somatostatin analogs are typically given by injection or infusion, and they can be very effective at controlling symptoms. However, they can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Another medication that may be used as carcinoid syndrome diarrhea treatment is telotristat ethyl. This medication works by reducing the amount of serotonin produced by the NETs, which can help reduce diarrhea. Telotristat ethyl is taken orally and is typically used in combination with a somatostatin analog. The most common side effects of this medication include nausea, abdominal pain, and headache.

In addition to these medications, medical procedures may also be used as carcinoid syndrome diarrhea treatment. One procedure that is commonly used is hepatic artery embolization (HAE). This procedure involves injecting tiny beads into the blood vessels that supply the NETs with blood. The beads block the blood flow to the tumors, which can help reduce the production of hormones and relieve symptoms such as diarrhea. HAE is typically performed by an interventional radiologist and can be done on an outpatient basis. The most common side effects of this procedure include abdominal pain and fatigue.

Another carcinoid syndrome diarrhea treatment is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This procedure involves using high-frequency energy to destroy the NETs. RFA is typically performed using a thin needle that is inserted into the tumor under imaging guidance. The energy is then delivered to the tumor, which causes it to heat up and destroy the cells. RFA is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can be very effective at reducing symptoms such as diarrhea. The most common side effects of this procedure include pain and swelling at the site of the needle insertion.