Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors
Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid tumors form from a certain type of neuroendocrine cell, a type of cell that makes hormones that help control digestive juices and the muscles used in moving food through the stomach and intestines. A GI carcinoid tumor may also make hormones and release them into the body.
GI carcinoid tumors are rare and most grow very slowly. Most of them occur in the small intestine, rectum, and appendix. Sometimes more than one tumor will form.
Risk factors for GI carcinoid tumors include the following:
- 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
Get Involved
You can support the AACR's mission by contacting your representatives and senators and advocating for increased funding for lifesaving cancer research.
Learn More
