Welcome
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, or VIPoma, understanding is key. This section is a good place to begin learning more about your condition. Of course, you should rely on your own doctor, nurse, or other health care professional for understanding how this information affects you specifically.
Understanding Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a condition that occurs when a small, usually noncancerous, pituitary tumor causes the body to produce too much of the hormones that control growth. These hormones can cause abnormal enlargement of bone, cartilage, muscle, organs, and other tissues. Left untreated, acromegaly can eventually lead to serious disease or even death. To ensure your long-term health, it's important to address the 'Critical 4' goals of acromegaly treatment: control of hypersecretion at the site of the tumor where overproduction starts, control of GH*, control of IGF-1*, and control of symptoms.
Understanding Carcinoid Syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome is the set of symptoms that may be caused by carcinoid tumors. Most often, the symptoms lead to the diagnosis of carcinoid tumors; rarely, a doctor will discover a "silent" carcinoid tumor before it produces noticeable symptoms. The symptoms of carcinoid syndrome may include diarrhea and/or flushing (turning red and feeling warm), as well as several other sometimes embarrassing and often debilitating symptoms. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for carcinoid syndrome that can help you get back to the things that matter most.
Understanding VIPomas
VIP stands for Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide. A VIPoma is a tumor affecting tissue of the endocrine system, usually the pancreas. These tumors can cause symptoms that are similar to carcinoid syndrome. VIPomas are extremely rare and can cause severe, watery diarrhea that requires immediate care.
