At the OSUCCC – James, cancer research experts focus on studying gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The OSUCCC – James consistently paves the way in learning more about what causes gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors — leading to even more highly targeted prevention, care and treatment.
Screening for Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors
Cancer screening exams can help find gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors at their earliest stage when the chances for successful treatment, optimal outcomes and fewer side effects are greatest. These tests are usually done when a patient is healthy and has no specific symptoms.
Patients in whom gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are found at an early stage have a very good chance for successful treatment and recovery.
Currently, there are no recommended screening tests to detect gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. These tumors are often found during other tests and procedures for GI problems.
Not only are expert cancer researchers at the OSUCCC – James continually working to detect and diagnose gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors early, but they are also developing additional tests to detect and diagnose cancer even earlier, leading to improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. The following factors may play a role in the development of gastrointestinal carcinoid cancer:
- Having a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome or neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) syndrome
- Having certain conditions that affect the stomach's ability to make stomach acid, such as atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
Not everyone with risk factors will get gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. But having certain risk factors appears to increase your risk of developing the disease. If you are at high risk for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, you should speak with your doctor about tests to detect early signs of the disease.
If you have received a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor specialist, we are eager to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.