Katy TX Carcinoid Cancer

Are you searching, “Katy TX carcinoid cancer?” You should contact the office of Dr. James Maher in Katy, Texas. Dr. Maher has more than 30 years of experience in the field of gastroenterology. Gastroenterology is the study of gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive system conditions.

The digestive system includes the stomach, esophagus, tongue, liver, gallbladder, intestines, colon, rectum, anus, and more. The job of the GI tract is to break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove whatever is left. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions in this area of the body. For example, liver disease is a condition in which Dr. Maher is educated.

Dr. Maher started his career at the University of Michigan. Afterward. He moved to Virginia to attend the Medical College of Virginia for an accelerated degree. Then, Dr. Maher moved to California to attend the University of California-Irvine for his Internal Medicine residency.

Katy TX Carcinoid Cancer
Dr. James Maher

Once his residency was over, Dr. Maher completed a one-year fellowship in hepatology at the University of Southern California. The following two years were spent back at the University of California-Irvine for a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology. After his education, Dr. Maher became a board-certified gastroenterologist.

Since then, Dr. Maher has cared for his patients the best way he can. He is a proponent of patient education and always considers all treatment options. These traits ensure the best care for his patients and help them feel as comfortable as possible.

Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid tumors or cancer are a subset of neuroendocrine tumors, which only appear in neuroendocrine cells. These types of cells act as nerve cells and hormone cells. They can produce hormones such as insulin or cortisol. Neuroendocrine cells are found in various parts of the body, many of them in the digestive tract.

Carcinoid tumors often appear in the digestive tract such as the stomach, appendix, intestines, or colon. The lungs are another area in which these tumors can appear. The cause of carcinoid tumors is unknown, but researchers do know the mutation to cause them is only found in neuroendocrine cells.

In general, cancer cells form when a cell replicates DNA with a mutation. The cell continues to divide rather than dying and creates an accumulation of cells. This is known as a tumor. Cancer cells are capable of invading other cells, subsequently infecting other organs.

Unfortunately, carcinoid tumors rarely show symptoms early on. When symptoms do appear, they are usually linked to other diseases first until testing is done.

They type of symptoms you may experience depend on where the tumor is located.

Symptoms of a carcinoid tumor in the lungs include:

  • chest pain
  • difficulty breathing
  • wheezing
  • diarrhea
  • weight gain
  • pink or purple marks on the skin
  • redness or warmth in the face or neck

You may experience the following symptoms if the tumor is located in the digestive tract:

  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • rectal pain or bleeding
  • redness or warmth in the face or neck
  • unable to pass stool due to intestinal blockage
Katy TX GI Doctor Near Me
Pain within the abdomen is common for many GI tract conditions.

Are you at risk?

You may be wondering if you’re at risk of carcinoid tumors. Well, you are at a higher risk based on your age, sex, and family history. These factors may increase or decrease your chance of carcinoid tumors.

The older you are, the greater chance you have of developing carcinoid tumors. Both men and women do develop this disease, but women are more likely to develop tumors. Finally, if you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasias, you are at a higher risk. This is a group of diseases that affect the ability of the cells within the endocrine system.

Diagnosing and Treating Carcinoid Tumors

There are several ways to diagnose carcinoid cancer. Some of the most effective ways include blood and urine tests. An endoscopy, colonoscopy, or a biopsy are also effective options.

When it comes to a blood test, Dr. Maher is looking for high levels of hormones. Carcinoid tumors secret excess hormones, and the body will begin to break them down. A urine test can detect these chemicals, too, as the body is trying to rid the excess hormones.

An endoscopy is when the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube to go down your throat. An endoscopy is usually used for the lungs, while a colonoscopy is used for the digestive system. A similar tube is used for the rectum in a colonoscopy procedure. There is a small camera attached to the end, so Dr. Maher can examine what is inside.

A biopsy is a surgery where the doctor can collect cells from the tumor. Gastroenterologists do not perform surgeries, but cells may also be extracted from a needle. Regardless, these methods are effective in making a diagnosis for carcinoid tumors.

Katy TX Carcinoid Cancer
There are many different types of diagnoses tests Dr. Maher can perform.

Treatment Options

Treatment options are either surgery or medication. However, the location of the tumor greatly depends on the type of surgery. The stage of cancer is also dependent on the treatment option. Surgery is effective in removing the cells, but only when it is caught early. Later stages cannot be completely removed. Instead, most of it is removed, and medication is taken to limit the hormone secretion.

Speaking of hindering hormone secretion, there are drugs designed to perform the job. Blocking the hormone secretion reduces the appearance of symptoms and slows the growth of the tumor. There are also drugs that can deliver radiation directly to the tumor. This medication is typically only used when other options have not been successful.

Katy TX Carcinoid Cancer

Carcinoid cancer is a serious condition. Unfortunately, symptoms rarely appear early, so the cancer is able to reach late stages. If you are at a higher risk of carcinoid cancer, then visit Dr. Maher. He can help the scene you annually for cancer.

Contact his Katy, Texas, clinic today by calling (281) 945-5190. He and his team will help you diagnose and treat your condition. His services range further than just carcinoid tumors. So, contact his clinic today in order to receive the care you are needing. You can also finally stop searching “Katy TX Carcinoid Cancer.”

Fun Facts about Katy

  • Katy has ten parks, including Heritage Park, best known for its restored buildings.
  • “Old Town Katy,” the city’s downtown area, is where you will find many specialty stores, antique shops, and restaurants.
  • Katy has several museums that honor the city’s history, heritage, and the country’s veterans.
  • Find more facts about Katy here.