Carcinoid Syndrome Symptoms
8. Abdominal pain
The most common sites for carcinoid tumors include the appendix and the small intestine. Patients with carcinoid syndrome can present with prolonged abdominal pain in the lower half of the abdomen (right quadrant) or apparent acute inflammation of the appendix (acute appendicitis).
Also, bowel obstruction can occur as a direct result of the mechanical effect of the carcinoid tumor or its effects on the tissues that surround the intestines. One of these local effects is intra-abdominal fibrosis, specifically of the mesentery, leading to decreased mesenteric perfusion. In short, this refers to the thickening and scarring of a fold of peritoneum (a serous membrane) which attaches many abdominal organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen. Symptoms of bowel obstruction include constipation, severe abdominal pain with cramps, vomiting, and inability to pass gas. In certain cases, surgery may be needed to relieve bowel obstruction.
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