Question

A 50-year-old man presents with episodes of flushing. He is quite disturbed because it starts in his face and goes from red to deep violet. He also experiences diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. It is determined that he has a carcinoid tumor that has metastasized. Where is the most likely site of the primary tumor?

1. Prostate
2. Sympathetic chain ganglia
3. Adrenal medulla
4. Adrenal cortex
5. Ileum

Answer 1

The most likely site of the primary tumor in this case is the ileum, which is part of the small intestine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely site of the primary tumor in this case is the Ileum.

The flushing, diarrhea, cramps, and nausea experienced by the patient are characteristic symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, which occurs when a carcinoid tumor, usually in the gastrointestinal tract, metastasizes. The primary tumor site in this case is most likely the ileum, which is part of the small intestine.

Carcinoid tumors originate from neuroendocrine cells and can produce excess hormones, including serotonin. When these tumors metastasize, they can cause symptoms such as flushing. The deep violet color of the flushing is due to the release of vasoactive substances by the tumor.