What is a Carcinoid Triad?

A carcinoid is a type of tumour that originates in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and causes vast quantities of certain hormones to be produced, which in turn cause three distinct signs, which form the Carcinoid Triad. 

The classic ‘triad’ seen in a carcinoid triad of symptoms include:

1. Flushing

2. Diarrhoea

3. Cardiac problems (most commonly right-sided heart failure)

 The cause of most of these signs is serotonin.

 What is the clinical significance of Carcinoid’s Triad?

The clinical significance of Carcinoid’s Triad is that it should highlight to a General Practitioner, Oncologist, Community Nurse or Paramedic the need for further investigations, including abdominal ultrasound, CT or MRI to determine the possibility of un-diagnosed malignant tumours.

Carcinoid Tumours are usually very slow growing and many patients have been known to live for 30-40 years after diagnosis.

If you would like to learn more about Carcinoid Syndrome, please review my Carcinoid Syndrome page.