Carcinoid tumors have been termed "slow developing cancers" because they grow so indolent. They also have a lower probability for the other tumors, to disseminate (metastasize) to other body parts. However, sometimes these tumors grow and spread quite rapidly.
Most carcinoid tumors have early in the small intestine, but about 25% of these malignancies arise in the lungs. These tumors represent only a small percentage of all lung tumors. Some carcinoid tumors produce hormones that can cause various symptoms.
As there are two types of lung carcinoid tumors: typical and atypical. Carcinoid tumors typically are about nine times more common and are less likely to disseminate out of the lungs.
Carcinoid tumors of the lung occur with equal frequency in men and in women, usually between 45 and 55 years of age, and are less likely to produce hormones.
Treatment
Surgery is the primary treatment for carcinoid tumors, but the exact procedure depends on the tumor location. If this is located in an airway of large diameter, the surgeon may remove only the portion of the airways that contains the tumor. On the other hand, if this be located in the peripheral zone of the lung, the surgeon may remove a small part of the lung that includes the tumor. Those of larger dimensions or multiple require the removal of one lobe of the lung (lobectomy) or the entire (pneumonectomy).
The need for additional treatment will depend on the ability to remove the entire tumor and cancer having spread to lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy is not effective in carcinoid tumors. Currently, this approach is used only when the tumors have spread to other parts of the body.
If the tumors produce hormones that cause uncomfortable symptoms can be prescribed Octreotide. This medicine can alleviate flushing, diarrhea and other symptoms, there is also some evidence that help prevent or reverse tumor growth. However, octreotide not provide a cure of the tumor and is used only when the disease has spread.
Another drug, alpha-interferon, may also be used in combination with octreotide. This substance stimulates the immune system of individuals, can help shrink the tumor and relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Unlike most lung tumors, carcinoid tumors were not associated with smoking, air pollution or exposure to chemicals. There are no known ways to prevent this type of cancer.
Most carcinoid tumors have early in the small intestine, but about 25% of these malignancies arise in the lungs. These tumors represent only a small percentage of all lung tumors. Some carcinoid tumors produce hormones that can cause various symptoms.
As there are two types of lung carcinoid tumors: typical and atypical. Carcinoid tumors typically are about nine times more common and are less likely to disseminate out of the lungs.
Carcinoid tumors of the lung occur with equal frequency in men and in women, usually between 45 and 55 years of age, and are less likely to produce hormones.
Treatment
Surgery is the primary treatment for carcinoid tumors, but the exact procedure depends on the tumor location. If this is located in an airway of large diameter, the surgeon may remove only the portion of the airways that contains the tumor. On the other hand, if this be located in the peripheral zone of the lung, the surgeon may remove a small part of the lung that includes the tumor. Those of larger dimensions or multiple require the removal of one lobe of the lung (lobectomy) or the entire (pneumonectomy).
The need for additional treatment will depend on the ability to remove the entire tumor and cancer having spread to lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy is not effective in carcinoid tumors. Currently, this approach is used only when the tumors have spread to other parts of the body.
If the tumors produce hormones that cause uncomfortable symptoms can be prescribed Octreotide. This medicine can alleviate flushing, diarrhea and other symptoms, there is also some evidence that help prevent or reverse tumor growth. However, octreotide not provide a cure of the tumor and is used only when the disease has spread.
Another drug, alpha-interferon, may also be used in combination with octreotide. This substance stimulates the immune system of individuals, can help shrink the tumor and relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Unlike most lung tumors, carcinoid tumors were not associated with smoking, air pollution or exposure to chemicals. There are no known ways to prevent this type of cancer.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário