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Complications of GEP-NETs
One of the things that NETs produce is a hormone called serotonin. If the tumour has spread to the liver and there is too much serotonin being produced, it can cause carcinoid syndrome.1
About 1 in 10 people with GEP-NETs develop carcinoid syndrome.2
The main symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are: 2,3
- Hot, red flushing of the skin
- Diarrhoea
Other symptoms of carcinoid syndrome include:2,3
- Abdominal pain
- Palpitations (feeling your heartbeat, like a flutter, thumping or pounding)
- Hypotension (drop in blood pressure, making you feel dizzy, sick, weak or confused)4
- Wheezing
- Weight loss or gain
- Muscle and/or joint aches
If you get any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor.
REFERENCES:
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NHS. Carcinoid syndrome. Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carcinoid-syndrome Last accessed September 2020.
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NORD. Carcinoid syndrome. Available at:https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/carcinoid-syndrome/ Last accessed October 2020.
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Patient.info. Carcinoid tumours. Available at:https://patient.info/doctor/carcinoid-tumours#nav-5 Last accessed September 2020.
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NHS. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension Last accessed October 2020.
