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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffHaving carcinoid syndrome places you at risk of the following complications:
- Carcinoid heart disease. Some people with carcinoid syndrome develop carcinoid heart disease. Carcinoid syndrome causes a thickening of the heart valves, making it difficult for them to function properly. As a result, the heart valves may leak. Signs and symptoms of carcinoid heart disease include fatigue and shortness of breath during physical activity. Carcinoid heart disease can eventually lead to heart failure. Your doctor may recommend medications for your heart. Surgical repair of damaged heart valves is the only treatment to correct carcinoid heart disease.
- Bowel obstruction. Cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes adjacent to your small intestine can cause narrowing and kinking of your intestine, leading to a bowel obstruction. Signs and symptoms of a bowel obstruction include severe, cramping abdominal pain and vomiting. Surgery may be necessary to relieve the obstruction.
- Carcinoid crisis. Carcinoid crisis causes a severe episode of flushing, low blood pressure, confusion and breathing difficulty. Triggers include anesthesia, chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, though carcinoid crisis can occur for no apparent reason. Carcinoid crisis can be fatal. Your doctor may give you medications before surgery or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of carcinoid crisis.
