10 Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumor

7. Peripheral Edema

Edema is the accumulation of water in the space between the cells. It causes the area where the water accumulates to swell. Peripheral edema usually occurs in the legs but may also occur in the hands and arms. It is important to remember that this condition can occur due to the chemicals secreted by the tumor or as one of the manifestations of a problem in the heart. In carcinoid heart disease, the right side of the heart is usually affected and cannot receive the blood from different tissues as efficiently as it used to. The fluid may, therefore, be unable to reach the tissues, causing peripheral edema.