Carcinoid syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome is caused by the specialized tissues found in teratomas. Sometimes, this tissue produces hormones such as serotonin, bradykinin, and other peptide hormones. The production of these hormones occurs in cases of stromal carcinoids featuring specialized cells normally present in the bronchial tree and the gastrointestinal tract. This syndrome is characterized by episodic facial flushing, cyanosis, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and bronchospasm. It is less common in primary ovarian tumors as compared to metastatic carcinoid.