Carcinoid tumors

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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

Living with cancer newsletter

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Although alternative medicine treatments can't cure carcinoid tumors, some alternative therapies may help you cope with the signs and symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about safe options.

Alternative treatments for stress
Being diagnosed with cancer can be a stressful experience. And if you have carcinoid syndrome caused by a carcinoid tumor, stress can also trigger skin flushing. Complementary and alternative medicine therapies may help you gain control over the stress in your life and help you better cope with your diagnosis. Consult with your doctor about trying:

  • Massage
  • Meditation
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Tai chi
  • Yoga
References
  1. Kulke MH. Clinical presentation and management of carcinoid tumors. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America. 2007;21:433.
  2. Pasieka JL. Carcinoid tumors. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2009;89:1123.
  3. Chang BB, et al. Neuroendocrine carcinoma. In: Kantarjian HM, et al. MD Anderson Manual of Medical Oncology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2790810. Accessed Aug. 6, 2010.
  4. Lung carcinoid tumor. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003117-pdf.pdf. Accessed Aug. 6, 2010.
  5. Scherubel H, et al. Neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach (gastric carcinoids) are on the rise: Small tumors, small problems? Endoscopy. 2010;42:664.
  6. Sitaraman SV, et al. Diagnosis of the carcinoid syndrome and tumor localization. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 3, 2010.
  7. Jensen RT. Endocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2886966. Accessed Aug. 6, 2010.
DS00834 Sept. 25, 2010

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