About Neuroendocrine Tumor
The neuroendocrine system is made up of nerve and gland cells. It makes hormones and releases them into the bloodstream which regulates the body. Neuro means nerve and endocrine means the cells of the endocrine system. Neuroendocrine cells are spread throughout the body organ such as bowel, lung, stomach and pancreas.
A neuroendocrine tumour (NETs) is a tumour of the neuroendocrine system. NETs often grow slowly, and it may be several years before symptoms appear and the tumour is diagnosed. NETs are classified according to where the cancer started in the body;
- Carcinoid tumours(Lung)
- Pancreatic NETs
- Lung NETs
- Small bowel NETs
- Large bowel NETs
- Appendiceal NETs
- Gastric NETs
linkRisk Factors:
The exact causes of NETs are unknown, however there are few factors that increase the cancer risk.
These include:
- Genes: People who have a rare family syndrome (Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) & Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL)) have a higher risk of developing NETs. About 30-60% of patients with MEN1 will develop a neuroendocrine tumor. About 11-17% of patients with VHL will develop a neuroendocrine/carcinoid tumor
- Tobacco: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and neuroendocrine tumors are strongly associated with tobacco smoking
- Family history: Some types of neuroendocrine tumours are more common in people with a family history of the disease or other types of cancer
linkSymptoms:
Signs and symptoms of Neuroendocrine tumour depend upon the type of neuroendocrine tumor (Organ involved). Some neuroendocrine tumours are non-functional and show no symptoms. Few of the common symptoms include:
- Hyperglycemias (too much sugar in the blood) or Hypoglycaemia (very little sugar in the blood)
- Diarrhoea and persistent pain in a specific area
- Loss of appetite/ unexplained weight loss or weigh gain
- Persistent cough and hoarseness
- Thickening or lump in any part of the body
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Persistent fever or night sweats, Headache, Anxiety, Gastric ulcers etc.
linkDiagnosis:
- Chromogranin A test: It is a blood test that helps to measure the amount of chromogranin A in the blood. Higher than normal amount of chromogranin A and normal amounts of hormones such as gastrin, insulin, and glucagon can be a sign of a non-functional pancreatic NET
- Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy: It is a type of radionuclide scan that may be used to find small pancreatic NETs. A small amount of radioactive octreotide (a hormone that attaches to the tumors) is injected into a vein that travels through the blood. The radioactive octreotide attaches to the tumor and a special camera that detects radioactivity is used to show where the tumors are in the body
- Other scan: Ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI scan is done to find the extent and location of the cancer.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is done by removing a small sample of tissue from the abnormal area and by examining under a microscope
linkPrevention:
At present there is no way to prevent the disease. There is a link between smoking and cancer and hence, smoking should be avoided.
linkTreatment:
Neuroendocrine tumor treatment depends on the type of tumour. Description of the most common neuroendocrine tumour treatment options are listed below. The recommendations and treatment options depend on several factors such as -
1. The Origin and Type of the Neuroendocrine Tumor
2. The Grade of the Cancer
3. If it is cancerous and the stage
4. Where all has the cancer spread
5. Other medical conditions you may have
6. The patient’s preferences and the overall health
7. Whether the tumour is functional or not
8. Possible Side Effects
Cancer Healer Centre helps you and your loved ones to cope with this change and make an informed decision about what neuroendocrine tumor treatment is right for you. The most common approaches for neuroendocrine tumor treatment are -
1. Surgery
2. Radiation Therapy
3. Drug Therapy
Immunotherapy being offered at Cancer Healer Center is another effective method in treating Neuroendocrine tumor with good results. Oral Medicines are given to the patients which helps in enhancing the natural Immune Mechanism of the body, to an extent where the body itself is able to fight back with the disease. Cancer healer therapy can be given in parallel with chemotherapy without any interference with the treatment. The customised individual treatment protocols are made after evaluating the complete reports of the patient.
To make the right decisions for your neuroendocrine tumour grade 1 treatment, contact our healthcare team for the best guidance.
Immunotherapy is another effective method in treating Neuroendocrine tumor with good results. Cancer healer therapy can be given along with chemotherapy without any interference with the treatment. Line of treatment varies as per the type of neuroendocrine tumor and it is decided by doctors after evaluating the case through the reports of the patient.