Expert Neuroendocrine Tumor Care

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), or sometimes referred as islet cells, are abnormal growths in the endocrine glands. Since endocrine glands produce hormones, tumors of endocrine glands may also produce hormones. These hormones are often produced in excessive amounts by endocrine tumors and then released into the bloodstream, which can result in profound effects on the body.

Neuroendocrine tumors can be found all over the body. They are most commonly found in the abdomen, and are sometimes further classified as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET), when found in the pancreas. PNETs are NETs that arise in the pancreas. They tend to have a slightly worse prognosis in comparison to NETs. Both PNETs and NETs tend to be slow growing tumors that are treatable even after they have metastasized.

Although NETs are much less common than most GI malignancies, SEER data (from 1973-2004) shows a dramatic 5-fold increase in diagnosed cases. Diagnosed incidence of NETs is predicted to continue rising at a faster rate than most other malignancies.

Neuroendocrine tumors can be benign or malignant. Whether benign or malignant, it is recommended to have all abdominal NETs surgically removed. At the time of resection/following surgery, the distinction of a benign or malignant tumor will be determined.

A way of classifying Neuroendocrine tumors is by the secretion of hormones from the tumor:

• Non-functioning NETs: Patients with non-functioning tumors do not have any symptoms from excess secretion of pancreatic hormones since the tumor does not secrete any hormones into the blood.
• Functional NETs: These tumors produce dramatic symptoms because of excess secretion of various different hormones such as insulin, gastrin, or glucagon.

Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors depend on the type of tumor and its location, whether it produces excess hormones, how aggressive it is and whether it has spread to other structures in the body. NETs can be very difficult to diagnose and may take many years to grow to a size large enough to be seen in imaging scans or produce symptoms.

Up to half of all neuroendocrine tumors produce excess amounts of hormones that produce symptoms in the affected patient. For example, in patients with insulin producing NETs of the pancreas, excessive insulin decreases blood sugar levels so that symptoms of severe hypoglycemia develop. Whereas excessive hormones caused by other NETs may cause symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, asthma and heart valve problems.

If neuroendocrine tumors are suspected, it’s important to seek proper evaluation and treatment from a healthcare expert experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal issues.