Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. The most common manifestation of carcinoid syndrome is hot flashes. This symptom is observed in 90% of patients. There is a sudden, periodic, paroxysmal redness of the upper half of the body. Typically, hyperemia is especially pronounced in the face, back of the head and neck. Patients with carcinoid syndrome complain of sensations of heat, numbness and burning. Hot flashes are accompanied by increased heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. Dizziness may occur due to decreased blood supply to the brain. During attacks, redness of the sclera and lacrimation may occur.
In the initial stages of carcinoid syndrome, hot flashes appear once every few days or weeks. Subsequently, their number gradually increases to 1-2 or even 10-20 times a day. The duration of hot flashes in carcinoid syndrome can range from 1-10 minutes to several hours. Typically, attacks occur due to consumption of alcohol, spicy, fatty and spicy foods, physical activity, psychological stress, or taking medications that increase serotonin levels. Less commonly, hot flashes develop spontaneously, without any apparent reason.
