Frequently Asked Questions

My mother has carcinoid tumors in the liver. Can you suggest foods that won't provoke the diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome?

I have no professional experience with nutrition and carcinoid tumors, but am including a link (http://www.carcinoid.org/pcf/lectures/docs/MwarnerlectureSept2.htm) that may help you understand what is known about nutrition and carcinoid syndrome. This lecture (“NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS FOR THE CARCINOID PATIENT”) was prepared by Monica Warner, MS, RD, who has 20+ years of experience with carcinoid patients, as does her husband, Richard Warner, MD, an oncologist specializing in this particular type of cancer. They are in New York City and also founded the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation based in NYC. I have met them both, and they are wonderful, caring people, and knowledgeable experts for this type of cancer.

I hope you find helpful information either from this link or other information the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation may have. Please visit their entire website, too, and also call them on their toll free number (888-722-3132) if you don't find what you need on their web site. There may be a support group in your area of the country, which they can help you locate.

Also, please request (even insist upon if necessary) a consult with the registered dietitian (RD) at your mother's cancer center to help with managing her diet and monitoring her nutritional needs with this complex cancer. If her cancer center does not have an RD, I suggest you discuss this lack of comprehensive cancer services with both your oncologist and the cancer center administrator. Urge them to provide this expertise for all patients at their cancer center or clinic/office.

Registered Dietitians with a private practice may be found by typing in your zip code on the home page of the American Dietetic Association.

My best wishes to your mother (and your family) for health, healing, and hope. She is fortunate to have you on her *team*. :-)

FAQ posted 3/03

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Back to Main QandA Page Carcinoid Cancer My mother has carcinoid tumors in the liver. Can you suggest foods that won't provoke the diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome? posted 3/03, updated 4/04 Should I be following a low-residue diet after G-I surgery for carcinoid cancer? posted 7/05

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These questions and answers are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical condition.