Which triad of symptoms is associated with a carcinoid tumor?

The triad of symptoms associated with a carcinoid tumor includes flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing, and this is largely due to the secretion of serotonin and other vasoactive substances by the tumor. Carcinoid tumors, typically originating in the gastrointestinal tract, may release substances into the systemic circulation, especially when they metastasize to the liver, bypassing the metabolic effects of first-pass metabolism.

Flushing is a characteristic symptom, often described as a warm and reddened appearance of the skin, particularly in the face and neck. This occurs due to vasodilation triggered by serotonin and other mediators. Diarrhea occurs due to the increased intestinal motility caused by vasoactive substances that promote secretion and inhibit absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Wheezing arises from the bronchoconstrictive effects of these substances, leading to symptoms typically seen in asthma or reactive airway disease. When these three symptoms appear together, they form a classic presentation of the carcinoid syndrome, which is specific to functioning carcinoid tumors.

The other options present symptoms that are more characteristic of different medical conditions. For example, fever, night sweats, and weight loss are suggestive of infections, malignancies, or inflammatory diseases. Headache, nausea,