Risk factors of Carcinoid Tumors or Carcinoid Syndrome
A risk factor is something that increases the chance of acquiring a disease. This doesn’t mean that a person without a risk factor will not acquire a cancer. That is not all; even having a risk factor doesn’t make it mandatory that the person develops cancer.
- Age: A diagnosis of carcinoid tumor is more likely in older adults
- Family history: People are at a higher risk of acquiring a carcinoid tumor if genetic syndromes like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) run in the family.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco is believed to increase the risk of acquiring a carcinoid tumor.
- Other medical conditions like gastritis, pernicious anaemia where the stomach’s ability to produce acid has been affected are likely to increase the risk.