Meaning of CARCINOID SYNDROME

Biology Dictionary
	Definition:		The group of symptoms caused by a carcinoid tumor if it produces secretions. Symptoms can include diarrhea, wheezing, heart murmurs, enlarged liver, and a dusky appearance to the skin. Carcinoid syndrome consists of facial flushing, head and neck edema, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, bronchospasm, pulmonic and tricuspid valves lesions and increased urinary excretion of 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid). It is caused by the proliferation of carcinoid tumors (serotonin-producing neuroendocrine tumors that occur mainly in the small intestine and liver).