Carcinoid tumors are treated in Germany with a combination of therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy
Carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can manifest in almost any organ system. When you are diagnosed with this, you would want the very best treatment for this disease. The medical practices of Germany are superb and can be gauged, especially within the study branch of oncology.
Here, we have explored the most current treatments in use for carcinoid tumors in Germany, learning in your company as you discover the information you need to make informed care decisions.
Before learning about treatment options, it is helpful to know what carcinoid syndrome is a little more specifically, a syndrome of symptoms that may occur in some patients with carcinoid tumors. These can include:
Heart palpitations
If the following occur, they need to be discussed with your doctor, as such might also have a lot of influence on people's quality of life and also could affect how the treatment should be carried out concerning a patient.
The German hospital is well-equipped and endowed with high-technology diagnostics that will identify and stage carcinoid tumors perfectly. The two major tests widely used are the following:
Test for Chromogranin
This blood test measures levels of the protein chromogranin, often increased in patients with carcinoid tumors. it is also good for monitoring response to treatment.
5-HIAA Urine Test
The 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) urine test is another good diagnostic test. The test measures levels of serotonin metabolite that are elevated in patients with carcinoid tumors.
These tests, including imaging studies such as CT scans, MRIs, and specialized nuclear medicine scans, will help the German doctors paint a comprehensive picture of your condition.
Germany offers a multitude of treatments available for carcinoid tumors that are custom-fit to every patient's unique needs. Let's take a closer look at some of the most effective treatments available:
Surgery represents the most common therapy, especially for most carcinoid tumors. German surgeons are qualified for specific complicated surgeries as follows:
These surgical interventions aim at tumor resection with as little damage to the organ and quick recovery.
Octreotide Therapy
Octreotide is a synthetic hormone that may help alleviate the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and even inhibit tumor growth. German oncologists have quite a few years of experience with the use of octreotide therapy, which is administered by:
The various methods will be discussed by your doctor and finally decided based on your symptoms and tumor characteristics.
Targeted Therapies
Germany is one of the leaders in efforts to advance and apply specifically targeted treatments against neuroendocrine tumor patients. Treatments work by identifying and selectively attacking particular cancer cells, causing the most damage to very little surrounding healthy tissue. Among those are:
For instance, especially PRRT has been showing much promise for patients with an advanced carcinoid tumor presenting with a progressive disease that doesn't improve with other interventions.
Another grave complication of carcinoid syndrome is carcinoid heart disease. German cardiac specialists team up with oncologists to provide a detailed prognosis. In treatment, the following may be considered for these patients:
Detection of this condition as early as possible and management well in advance can significantly change outcomes for patients.
Holistic Approach to Treatment
Other than the Western medicine approach, treatment for carcinoid tumors in Germany also incorporates other therapeutic methods aside from medical intervention. Many centers provide holistic care, such as:
All of a patient's concerns can be treated entirely during the treatment process.
Research and Clinical Trials
The country is very active in advanced neuroendocrine tumor research. Some centers offer clinical trials, thus allowing patients to take advantage of the most up-to-date progress in treatment. Your oncologist can consult with you to determine if participation in a clinical trial might be useful for your particular case.
If you are considering that your carcinoid tumors should be treated in Germany, follow these preparations:
