Carcinoid tumors: what should increase our suspicion?

Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine neoplasms, primarily of the gastrointestinal tract. Their incidence has been increasing over the last 2 to 3 decades. Patients often present with vague, nonspecific symptoms. Thus, primary care physicians should keep this diagnosis in mind and start appropriate diagnostic testing if they suspect it on a clinical basis. Patients with carcinoid tumors are also at increased risk of developing other malignancies, so close follow-up by their primary care physician is necessary.