Carcinoid Tumors

Overview

Diagnosing tumors can be a long process with many steps. When you first visit a provider, they’ll ask you about your symptoms and listen to your heart and lungs.

If they think a lung issue is causing your symptoms, they’ll get imaging (like a chest X-ray) to look for changes. If the pictures of your lungs show a tumor, you’ll need to have blood tests and a biopsy to confirm the type and guide treatment.

What tests will be done?

Some tests you may need include:

Imaging. A provider looks for evidence of lung tumors on chest X-rays or CT scans (computed tomography scans).
Blood and urine tests. Providers can use blood or urine (pee) tests to check for elevated amounts of certain hormones that neuroendocrine tumors make.
Biopsy. Your provider may get a sample of the tumor to examine under a microscope. A common way to get this sample is with bronchoscopy.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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