Carcinoid tumours

Carcinoid tumours are tumours of cells that produce a chemical transmitter called 5 hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, also called serotonin). They occur elsewhere in the body as well as in the small intestine. While they are usually benign, and may cause no symptoms unless they bleed, if they are malignant and spread to the liver they may cause carcinoid syndrome with release of large quantities of 5-HT, causing facial flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. They are an occasional cause of appendicitis.
 
 
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