Frequently asked questions about neuroendocrine tumors
About 12,000 people will be diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) sometimes called carcinoid tumors — each year. But what exactly are these tumors, where are they typically found and are they cancerous?
What are neuroendocrine tumors?
An endocrine tumor is a mass that begins in the parts of the body that produce and release hormones. Because an endocrine tumor develops from cells that produce hormones, the tumor can also produce hormones. This can cause serious illness.
A neuroendocrine tumor begins in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system, which is made up of cells that are a combination of hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body in organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines. Neuroendocrine cells perform specific functions, such as regulating air and blood flow through the lungs and controlling how quickly food moves through the gastrointestinal tract.
Where in the body do neuroendocrine tumors occur?
Neuroendocrine tumors can develop anywhere endocrine cells are present. Endocrine cells help regulate various body functions including growth, reproduction, and metabolism throughout the body. The most common places for a NET to develop is the lungs, small intestines, and pancreas.
What are the most common symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors?
Severe diarrhea, gastric ulcers, or uncontrolled blood sugar that responds poorly to treatment can be caused by the hormones produced by the NET and vary depending on the place in the body where the tumor originates.
How are neuroendocrine tumors typically treated?
Neuroendocrine tumors options fall into two categories.
Local treatments with surgery to remove the tumor even when it has spread can be useful in certain circumstances. Local treatment can also be accomplished with interventional radiology
Systemic treatment is used to treat the cancer wherever it has spread throughout the body. Systemic therapy may consist of conventional chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or precision cancer medicines that target the tumor directly. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, or PRRT can target neuroendocrine tumors with specific hormone receptors, so instead of giving patients the hormone therapy itself and deliver a dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing normal tissues.
Keep current with NET treatment updates here….
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