Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor Diagnosis

If you have recently received a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor diagnosis, the team at Moffitt Cancer Center can help. Our multispecialty gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor team works collaboratively to develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for each patient. After our team confirms the diagnosis, treatment begins as quickly as possible to address the tumor.

Unlike many other types of cancers, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are not defined by traditional staging methods. Instead, the cancer is placed into one of three categories: localized, which indicates that the cancer is found only in the appendix, colon, stomach, rectum or small intestine; regional, which indicates the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or the lymph nodes; and metastatic, which means the cancer has spread to organs and tissues throughout the body.

Understandably, it is extremely important to ensure an accurate gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor diagnosis before beginning any treatment regimen. If the cancer is confirmed to be contained, for instance, this type of tumor is often highly treatable and can be completely removed through surgery. If, on the other hand, the diagnosis indicates that the cancer has spread, other treatment options must be considered. To diagnose this condition, Moffitt Cancer Center has a number of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including:

• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biopsy
• Computed tomography angiography
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
• Cytopathology

Depending on how advanced the tumor growth is, this may be attempted a number of ways, including surgical intervention, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, as well as the breakthrough treatments that are available through our clinical trials. One of the most significant benefits to turning to Moffitt Cancer Center is being able to work with our multispecialty team of oncologists specializing in gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors to help provide you with the comprehensive care you need – all in one location. Our surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, endoscopy specialists, pathologists, supportive care specialists and nurses collaborate in a weekly tumor board to develop the best possible individualized treatment plans for each of our patients.

To learn more, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form today. No referral is necessary to visit Moffitt Cancer Center.