Medical Minutes with Dr. Rob: Carcinoid Cancer

Fact: Carcinoid tumors, a type of neuroendocrine tumor, often grow slowly but can spread to other organs if undetected. Over 12,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors each year.

Hi, this is Dr. Rob with Dr. Rob’s Medical Minutes.
November is Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month.

Why it’s Important
Carcinoid cancer often goes undiagnosed due to its subtle symptoms, but early detection is critical for effective management and preventing spread.

Symptoms and Findings
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s location and may include abdominal pain, flushing, diarrhea, or breathing difficulties. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, diagnosis is often delayed.

What to Do and Ask Your Doctor
If you experience persistent gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, talk to your doctor about screening options. Carcinoid tumors are often managed with medication and surgery. Early detection can make a big difference in managing this rare cancer.