PANCE Blueprint Pulmonary (9%)

Carcinoid tumors

Patient will present with → a 55-year-old female who comes to the clinic complaining of recurrent episodes of flushing, particularly on her face and neck, and diarrhea for the past six months. She notes that the flushing episodes last for about five minutes and are sometimes accompanied by a feeling of warmth and palpitations. Her medical history is unremarkable except for mild asthma. On physical examination, there are no abnormal findings except for slight wheezing on lung auscultation. Given her symptoms, a 24-hour urine test for 5-HIAA is ordered, which returns elevated. An abdominal CT scan reveals a small mass in the ileum and hepatic metastases.

To watch this and all of Joe-Gilboy PA-C's video lessons you must be a member. Members can log in here or join now.

"Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome can be memorized using the mnemonic FDR (flushing, diarrhea, and right-sided heart valves)."

A tumor arising from neuroendocrine cells → leading to excess secretion of serotoninhistamine, and bradykinin

  • Common primary sites include GI (small and large intestines, stomach, pancreas, liver), lungs, ovaries, and thymus
    • The most common site for a neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumor to metastasize to is the liver
    • Carcinoid tumor of the appendix is the most common cause. The appendiceal cancer travels from the appendix then to the liver, where it metastasizes to the lungs
  • Usually asymptomatic until liver metastasis; symptoms develop occasionally
    • GI tract tumor→ hormone secretion → enter into enterohepatic circulation → liver inactivates hormones → no symptoms
    • Liver tumor → hormone secretion → released into circulation + liver dysfunction → symptoms
  • Carcinoid syndrome (the hallmark sign) = Cutaneous flushing, diarrhea, wheezing and low blood pressure is actually quite rare and occurs in ~ 5% of carcinoid tumors and becomes manifest when vasoactive substances from the tumors enter the systemic circulation, escaping hepatic degradation.
  • The syndrome includes flushing, ↑ intestinal motility (diarrhea), itching and less frequently, heart failure, vomiting, bronchoconstriction, asthma, and wheezing
    • ↑ Serotonin leads to collagen fiber thickening, fibrosis = heart valve dysfunction → tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis/bronchoconstriction, and wheezing
    • ↑ Histamine and bradykinin = vasodilation and flushing
    • ↑ serotonin synthesis → ↓ tryptophan → ↓ niacin/B3 synthesis = pellagra

CT-Scan to locate the tumors

  • Octreoscan → radiolabeled somatostatin analog (octreotide) binds to somatostatin receptors on tumor cells
  • Urinalysis → elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) → is the main metabolite of serotonin and is used to determine serotonin levels in the body
  • Pellagra (niacin/B3 deficiency) - ↑ serotonin synthesis → ↓ tryptophan → ↓ niacin/B3 synthesis
  • Chest X-ray shows low-grade CA seen as pedunculated sessile growth in the central bronchi
  • Bronchoscopy- pink/purple central lesion, well-vascularized
Carcinoid tumor, typical - Case 303 (49030234728)

Carcinoid tumors are usually centrally located, arising in large airways. The arrow points to the tumor in the right hilar region.

Treatment is by surgical excision and carries a good prognosis

  • The lesions are resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy
  • Octreotide - a somatostatin analog that binds the somatostatin receptors and decreases the secretion of serotonin by the tumor
  • Niacin supplementation

osmosis Osmosis
Picmonic
Bronchial carcinoid tumor

IM_MED_BronchialCarcinoidTumor_v1.1_

Lung carcinoma is typically divided into two categories, small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma. Non-small cell carcinoma subtypes include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumor. Bronchial carcinoid tumor is a neuroendocrine tumor that carries an excellent prognosis. It may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms of bronchial obstruction such as coughing or hemoptysis. Occasionally, bronchial carcinoid tumors may cause carcinoid syndrome which is characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing. These tumors are chromogranin A positive and histology shows nests of neuroendocrine cells. Additionally, patients will have elevated urine 5-HIAA when carcinoid syndrome is present. Treatment includes surgical resection and octreotide for symptomatic relief.

Play Video + Quiz

Question 1
A 39-year-old man comes to the emergency department because of a 3-week history of episodic cutaneous flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing. He has a past medical history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. His temperature is 36.6°C (97.9°F), pulse is 125/min, respirations are 30/min, and blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. Pulmonary examination shows diffuse wheezes in both lung fields. Cardiac examination shows a prominent "v" wave of the jugular vein and a 1/6 holosystolic murmur best heard on the left lower sternal border. Abdominal examination shows hyperactive bowel sounds. Which other clinical findings is likely to be present?
A
Cheilosis and stomatitis
Hint:
Riboflavin is an essential vitamin used in the production of flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide. Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include stomatitis, cheilosis, anemia, and itchy eyes. Riboflavin deficiency is common in developing countries but rare in developed countries with riboflavin fortified grain and rice products.
B
Confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia
Hint:
Wernicke encephalopathy is caused by a deficiency in thiamine and is particularly common in alcoholics. Wernicke is defined by the classic triad of confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. In patients suspected of Wernicke encephalopathy, it is crucial to administer thiamine before glucose is given.
C
Swollen gums, bruising, and hemarthrosis
Hint:
Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. Symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, easy bruising, hemarthrosis, and neuropathy. Failure to treat scurvy will eventually lead to death. Vitamin C is found in vegetables and fruits such as kale, oranges, and lemons.
D
Dermatitis and mental status change
E
Ptosis, anhydrosis, and miosis
Hint:
Horner syndrome is a constellation of symptoms as a result of a lesion to the sympathetic chain. Symptoms include ipsilateral ptosis, anhydrosis, and miosis. Etiologies include multiple sclerosis, central nervous system tumors, and Pancoast tumors.
Question 1 Explanation: 
Carcinoid syndrome is associated with serotonin secreting neuroendocrine cells. An overproduction of serotonin can lead to niacin deficiency and cause pellagra (diarrhea, dermatitis, and mental status changes).
Question 2
A 61-year-old woman presents with several months of intermittent facial flushing, watery diarrhea, and occasional wheezing. She reports no recent travel, antibiotic use, or dietary changes. Past medical history is unremarkable. Physical exam reveals mild flushing of the cheeks and a holosystolic murmur best heard at the left lower sternal border. You suspect carcinoid syndrome. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?
A
Serum chromogranin A level
Hint:
Sensitive but nonspecific; not first-line for diagnosis.
B
24-hour urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)
C
Colonoscopy with biopsy
Hint:
Not indicated unless symptoms suggest a lower GI lesion.
D
Plasma serotonin level
Hint:
Unreliable due to fluctuations; less useful than 5-HIAA.
E
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
Hint:
Performed after biochemical confirmation, not first.
Question 2 Explanation: 
The best initial test for suspected carcinoid syndrome is measurement of 24-hour urinary excretion of 5-HIAA, the main metabolite of serotonin. Patients with carcinoid tumors that secrete serotonin develop classic symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, and right-sided heart valve lesions. A positive 5-HIAA test supports the diagnosis and helps guide further imaging to localize the tumor. While serum chromogranin A is useful, it is less specific and typically used as an adjunct or monitoring marker. CT or MRI is performed after biochemical confirmation to localize disease.
Question 3
A 64-year-old male with known metastatic carcinoid tumor presents with worsening episodes of flushing and diarrhea. He is not a candidate for surgical resection due to extensive hepatic metastases. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacologic treatment to control his symptoms?
A
Octreotide
B
Methysergide
Hint:
Serotonin antagonist, rarely used now due to risk of retroperitoneal fibrosis.
C
Ondansetron
Hint:
Antiemetic; not effective for flushing or diarrhea due to serotonin excess.
D
Cisplatin
Hint:
Chemotherapy for other cancers (e.g., lung, bladder); not effective for carcinoid tumors.
E
Propranolol
Hint:
May worsen hypotension and does not treat hormone-mediated symptoms.
Question 3 Explanation: 
Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that suppresses the release of serotonin and other vasoactive substances from carcinoid tumors. It is the treatment of choice for symptom control in unresectable or metastatic carcinoid syndrome. It reduces flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing and can be used long-term. Methysergide is rarely used and has serious side effects. Ondansetron may help with nausea but does not address serotonin overproduction. Cisplatin is not used for neuroendocrine tumors. Propranolol has no role in carcinoid syndrome.
There are 3 questions to complete.
List
Return
Shaded items are complete.
123
Return

References: Merck Manual · UpToDate

Brian Wallace PA-C Podcast: Pulmonary Neoplastic Disease (Prev Lesson)
(Next Lesson) Lung cancer (Lecture + ReelDx)
Back to PANCE Blueprint Pulmonary (9%)

NCCPA™ CONTENT BLUEPRINT

Have you tried the NEW Smarty PANCE QBANK? It's FREE with EVERY membership purchase!

X