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Though risk factors for the development of carcinoid tumors have not been clearly established, there appear to be some patterns that have emerged including:

• Age - most cases of carcinoid tumors appear in the 4th to 5th decade of life
• Race - incidence of carcinoid tumors is higher among African American men than Caucasian men
• Gender - some studies have shown that there may be a higher incidence of carcinoid tumors among men than women
• Family history - there appears to be a familial component since first degree relatives of patients have a higher risk of developing carcinoid tumors.
• Social history- there does not appear to be an association with environmental toxins, alcohol or tobacco products.
• Preexisting stomach conditions that relate to the production of stomach acid may increase the risk of developing carcinoid tumors of the GI tract.
• Smoking - the American Cancer Society estimates that smoking may double the risk of developing carcinoid tumors in the small intestines but seems to be unrelated to carcinoid tumors of the lung.

• Genetic component - there are three hereditary syndromes where genetic mutations may predispose individuals towards developing carcinoid tumors:

  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasm Syndrome type 1 (MEN1) -mutation appears on chromosome 11. This is thought to elevate the risk of carcinoid tumors in the stomach.
  • Von Hippel-Landau Disease (VHL) - mutation is found on chromosome 3
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) - the mutation for this disorder appears on chromosome 17

Better ways of identifying genetic aspects related to carcinoid tumors are being investigated on an ongoing basis and progress is being made such as relating midgut carcinoid tumors with abnormalities on chromosomes 11 and 18. This knowledge will eventually be helpful regarding screening, identification of those people at high risk, and treatment.