The treatment of carcinoid tumors depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and the person’s overall health. In many cases, a team of doctors will work with the patient to determine the best treatment plan.

SurgeryIf the tumour is contained in one area (localised), or if there has been only limited spread (regional), surgery is usually the first choice of treatment. If it is possible to remove the tumour completely no other treatment may be necessary.If the tumour has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) but there are only one or two areas – for example, in the liver – surgery may still be possible because of the slow growth of the tumour.

ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may sometimes be used to treat carcinoid tumours that have spread, with the intention of reducing the tumour and the secretion of serotonin, and of prolonging a good quality of life.

InterferonAnother type of drug treatment for the symptoms of carcinoid tumours is interferon, which is a biological therapy. Interferon is given as an injection under the skin. At first it can cause flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, aching joints and tiredness, but these usually disappear.

RadiotherapyFor this treatment, high-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy is usually given to treat symptoms, such as pain, which may occur if the tumour has spread to the bones.

Hepatic artery embolisationThis treatment may be used to slow down the growth of secondary liver tumours (metastases) by reducing the blood supply to the liver. Sometimes it is combined with chemotherapy. The procedure usually requires an anaesthetic, and you will probably have to stay in hospital overnight. You may feel unwell and your temperature may be raised for a few days afterwards.

131MIBGAnother drug, 131MIBG, may be used to reduce the number of carcinoid cells and the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. It gives a dose of radiotherapy to the carcinoid cells, and is known as targeted radiotherapy. This treatment can be given as a drink or as an injection into the vein.

Radio-labelled octreotideOctreotide is absorbed by carcinoid cells. A small dose of radioactivity can be attached to it. This treatment is given as an injection into a vein in the arm. Again, it can reduce the number of carcinoid cells.

Radiofrequency ablationThis may be used in some situations where the tumour is affecting the liver. It uses laser or radiowaves (microwaves) to destroy the cancer cells by heating them to high temperatures. A sedative drug is given to make the person feel drowsy and a local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin of the abdomen. A fine needle is then inserted through the skin over the liver and into the centre of the tumour. Powerful laser light or radiowaves are then passed through the needle and into the tumour, which heats the cancer cells and destroys them.