What is carcinoid syndrome diarrhea?
Carcinoid syndrome diarrhea (CSD) is one of the most common symptoms of functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)
Symptoms of CSD include urgency, frequency, and watery stools.
What causes CSD?
CSD occurs when a NET cell produces too much serotonin.
The science behind CSD

When cells grow abnormally, they form a tumor.

When a tumor forms in the neuroendocrine system, it may produce too many hormones, such as serotonin.

Hormones are one way your body’s cells communicate with each other to help with bodily functions. For example, serotonin is a hormone that communicates with your gut to help with digestion.

When NETs produce too much serotonin, your body’s natural serotonin levels can be thrown off balance. The extra serotonin in the gut can lead to CSD.
Questions about CSD?
Our nurses can help you along the way and answer your questions