In neuroendocrine tumors, hormone-producing cells are responsible for the growth. These cells, known as neuroendocrine cells, are found throughout the body, such as in the lungs, pancreas, intestines, and adrenal glands. NET can cause various symptoms and complications, depending on its location, size, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Depending on the type and grade of the tumor, the stage of the disease, and the response to treatment, NET can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
There is no known cause of NET, but it is believed to be linked to genetic mutations occurring in neuroendocrine cells. Some of these mutations may be inherited from the parents, while others may occur randomly in the person’s cells. They can cause the cells to grow and divide abnormally, causing tumors to form.
NET may be caused by a number of risk factors, including:
There is a higher risk of developing NET if you have a parent or sibling with NET or other related syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), von Hippel-Lindau disease, or neurofibromatosis.
NET can occur at any age, but is more common in older adults, especially those over 60.
The incidence of NET is slightly higher in men than in women.
NET is more prevalent in white people than in people of other races.
NET symptoms vary depending on the tumor's size and location, as well as the amount of hormones it produces. Nonfunctional NETs are those that do not produce any hormones, or that do not produce enough to cause symptoms. Functional NETs are those that produce hormones that are too much or that are not normally produced by neuroendocrine cells.
NET is characterized by the following symptoms:
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
Constipation or diarrhea
Gain or loss of weight
Vomiting or nausea
Yellowing of the skin and eyes is called jaundice
Redness or flushing of the skin
Breathing difficulties or wheezing
Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeats
Changes in mood or anxiety
Dizziness or headache
High blood pressure or low blood sugar
Weakness or cramps in the muscles
In the event that these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to see a doctor.
The diagnosis of NET is made based on the medical history, physical examination, and various tests and procedures. During the examination, the doctor may ask about the symptoms, the date and duration of their onset, as well as the family history of the patient. Additionally, the doctor may examine the patient and look for signs of tumors, including lumps, swelling, and nerve damage.
Tests and procedures that may be used to diagnose NET include:
Testing of the blood for certain hormones, enzymes, or markers that may indicate the presence or activity of NET.
Testing urine for certain hormones or metabolites that may indicate NET activity or presence.
Tests to create pictures of the inside of the body, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans, to determine whether the tumor has spread.
A biopsy is a procedure by which a small sample of tissue is taken from the tumor or a nearby lymph node, and examined under a microscope in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and grade of the tumor cells.
During an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted through the mouth, nose, or anus to examine the digestive tract or lungs for signs of tumors.
An octreotide scan involves injecting a radioactive substance into the neuroendocrine cells and using a special camera to detect areas of increased radioactivity.
NET is treated based on its type, grade, and stage, as well as the patient's age, health, and preferences. The main goals of treatment are:
The tumor and any cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body should be removed or destroyed
Prevent or reduce the side effects of the tumor and its treatment
The tumor's hormone production and symptoms can be controlled
Enhance a person's quality of life and survival
NET can be treated with the following options:
An operation may be performed alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to remove the tumor and any nearby lymph nodes and organs.
Using drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells is called chemotherapy. If a tumor cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy may be used as a primary treatment before or after surgery. Chemotherapy can be ingested, injected, or infused.
In radiation therapy, high-energy rays or particles are used to damage or destroy cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or as a primary treatment for tumors that cannot be removed by surgery or have spread. Radiation therapy can be applied externally or internally.
Targeted therapy is a treatment that uses drugs to target molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. It can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
In combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, hormone therapy blocks the production or action of hormones that stimulate cancer cells.
A radioactive substance is used to bind to the receptors on the surface of neuroendocrine cells and deliver a high dose of radiation to tumor cells using peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Since the cause of NET is unknown, there are no known ways to prevent it. However, some possible ways to reduce the risk are as follows:
Radiation and chemicals that can damage neuroendocrine cells' DNA should be avoided
People with a family history of NET or other related syndromes, such as MEN, VHL, or neurofibromatosis, should undergo regular check-ups and screening tests
If you notice any symptoms or signs of NET, seek medical attention immediately
