Carcinoid Syndrome Symptoms
3. Flushing
Flushing is the result of the transient widening of blood vessels (vasodilation) in the skin, which causes a change of skin color to pink or red. Our skin can flush for a number of reasons. Sometimes, it is down to being embarrassed, whereas some people will find that their skin flushes when they drink alcohol.
Flushing is usually completely harmless in itself, but it can be a symptom of a potentially serious underlying problem. The chemicals released by a carcinoid tumor (i.e. tachykinin or histamine) can cause some patients’ skin to become flushed. The flushing can occur in the face, neck, and in the chest. The symptom will sometimes last for just a few minutes (2-5 min) or it can last for hours in advanced stages of the disease.
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