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Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor recurrence is a substantial concern among those who are undergoing or have completed their initial treatment. Recurrence means that the malignant cells have reappeared within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or have spread to other tissues or organs within the body. Because cancer is named for the place in which it originates, if a GI carcinoid cancer spreads to another tissue or organ, it remains a GI cancer, and is treated as a recurrence of the condition.

There are a number of ways physicians can treat recurrent cancer, including:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgical resection
  • Supportive medical care to reduce symptoms and pain
  • Novel therapies that grow out of our robust clinical trials program

There is no accurate way of predicting whether or not a cancer will reappear. Some cancer patients will never experience cancer again after their initial treatment, while others will. Researchers continue to explore the reasons why cancer recurs in some people but not others, but some studies indicate that certain lifestyle changes can help minimize the likelihood of a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor recurrence. Eating healthy, exercising and maintaining a healthy body weight all seem to have a positive effect in keeping cancer at bay. Giving up tobacco use also seems to help ensure that GI cancer does not return.

Moffitt Cancer Center’s Gastrointestinal Oncology Program works diligently to keep our patients healthy. We take a unique collaborative approach to cancer treatment and patient care, bringing together specialists from different disciplines to carefully monitor the patient’s health from the first consultation until long after the initial treatment has ended. Our researchers are always exploring new and innovative treatment strategies to help keep GI cancer in remission.

Contact us by calling 1-888-663-3488, or by filling out our new patient registration form to learn more about gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor recurrence and how we can help you preserve a positive quality of life.