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Warning-sign checks

Carcinoid syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    These changes may require earlier testing or a treatment adjustment, but they are not always an emergency.

    Seek urgent or emergency care for fainting, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, signs of severe dehydration, rapidly worsening swelling with breathlessness, or a sudden severe episode involving major blood pressure or heart-rate changes.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up monitors both the tumor and the effects of hormone release.

    The schedule depends on the tumor’s location, grade, treatment, disease extent, symptoms, and previous test results.

    There is no single follow-up schedule that fits everyone.

    Contact the care team between routine visits for a clear increase in diarrhea or flushing, new wheezing, ongoing vomiting, reduced urine output, unplanned weight loss, new leg swelling, increasing abdominal size, or declining ability to exercise.

The article also says

Visits may include a symptom review, physical examination, blood or urine testing, and CT, MRI, or receptor-based imaging.

Heart monitoring may include NT-proBNP testing and repeat echocardiograms when clinically appropriate.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Carcinoid syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.