Overview

Neuroendocrine Tumours are the cancer of neuroendocrine cells leading to multiple other health issues. It is a group of rare tumours that originates in neuroendocrine cells. These are specialised cells that have characteristics of hormone-producing endocrine cells and neurons. It is a rare form of cancer, so identifying the disease's symptoms is a challenging task in many cases. The function of these cells is similar to hormone-producing cells or nerve cells. The tumours of this cancer are usually found in the small intestine, lungs, appendix, or pancreas. Hormonal imbalance is one of the biggest symptoms of this form of cancer. Treatment of the disorder depends upon the current medical issue of the patient.

Categories of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours can be divided into two main categories based on their behaviour:

- Functioning tumours- These tumours produce hormones that can cause specific symptoms related to excess hormone production. Examples include insulinomas (producing insulin), gastrinomas (producing gastrin), and carcinoid tumours (producing serotonin). These tumours are usually slow-growing and have a better prognosis.
- Non-functioning tumours- These tumours do not produce significant amounts of hormones, so symptoms related to hormone excess are generally absent. Non-functioning tumours can still cause symptoms related to their size and location and are often discovered at more advanced stages.

Types of Neuroendocrine Tumours 

Mentioned below are some of the commonly found forms of Neuroendocrine Tumours:

- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours- develop in the pancreas and can be functional (secreting hormones) or non-functional (not secreting hormones). These tumours can produce various hormones, including insulin, glucagon, gastrin, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). PNETs can cause symptoms related to hormonal excess or present as non-specific abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.
- Merkel cell carcinoma- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer typically developing in areas exposed to the sun. It arises from Merkel cells, which are specialised cells in the skin. MCC often appears as a painless, rapidly growing skin nodule or lesion and requires prompt medical attention.
- Pheochromocytoma- Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumour that arises in the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. It produces excessive amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumour.
- Paraganglioma- Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumour that arises from cells in the paraganglia, clusters of specialised cells found near the adrenal glands and along the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
- Adrenal cancer- Adrenal cancer is a rare form of cancer originating in the adrenal glands, which are small organs located above the kidneys. It can be functional or non-functional, with symptoms varying based on hormone production.
- Carcinoid tumours- Carcinoid tumours are slow-growing neuroendocrine tumours that most commonly develop in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the appendix, small intestine, and rectum. They can also occur in the lungs.

Causes of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Mentioned below are Neuroendocrine Tumour causes to help the affected individual find out the root cause of the issue:

- Genetic Mutations- Change in the DNA of the genes leading to the formation of tumours is one of the causes of rare cancer. It happens as the cells are misguided to form a tumour. These tumours can be found anywhere in the body and can also lead to metastasising.
- Other Medical Conditions- People with medical disorders such as improper stomach and digestive system functioning are more prone to getting affected by this form of cancer. It leads to different types of digestive issues and health disorders as well. In case of sudden digestive disorders or related medical ailments, one should not neglect the issue and get the condition timely diagnosed and checked.

The exact cause of the growth of the cancerous cells is still not stated by the researchers, but the conditions mentioned below are found to trigger such cells leading to the formation of tumours:

- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
- Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Risk Factors of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Mentioned below are the risk factors of Neuroendocrine Tumours making an individual more prone to getting affected by the disease:

- Age
- Gender
- Family history of the disease
- Sun exposure
- Immune suppression

Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Mentioned below are some of the symptoms of the growth of these cancerous tumours that help to identify the disease in its initial stages:

- Pain- Neuroendocrine Tumours can be found anywhere in the body. The formation of many tumours in a certain body part may lead to pain in that area. The individual might feel uncomfortable. The affected person may find it tough to perform routine activities. In case of sudden pain in a certain part of the body, it should not be neglected. The condition should be checked immediately to know the root cause of the symptom.
- Tiredness- An individual suffering from the growth of cancer tumours may feel tired most of the day. If the condition is not treated on time, the affected person might also experience dizziness, fatigue, and pain in body parts attacked by the tumour. It may happen due to the growth of tumours in the body and low levels of red blood cells.
- Sudden Weight Loss- An individual affected by Neuroendocrine Tumours might experience gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. Such health conditions might suppress the patient's diet and lead to sudden weight loss. However, sudden weight loss can also be the reason for multiple other forms of health issues. One must get a timely checkup to know the exact cause for proper treatment.
- Increased Thirst- Patients suffering from this form of tumour are also found with symptoms of hyperglycemia. The condition involves frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. It happens due to a drop in glucose levels in the blood.

Treatment Options for Neuroendocrine Tumours

Mentioned below are some of the Neuroendocrine Tumours treatment options that help to lower the symptoms of the disease:

- Surgery- Surgery is one of the highly-opted forms to get rid of tumours. The process involves the removal of the tumour completely, along with some of the healthy tissue surrounding the lump of mass. The procedure helps to immediately lower the symptoms of the issue and heal at the earliest possible time.
- Chemotherapy- It is another treatment used that helps eliminate cancerous cells, and tumours caused due to such cells. The method involves the use of drugs to kill the cancerous cells. The medicines can be taken orally or directly infused into the affected individual's blood through various means.
- Targeted Drug Therapy- It is a form of therapy involving the ceasing of activities caused due to the growth of cells. As a result, it leads to the diminishing of cancerous cells and tumours. The therapy can also be combined with chemotherapy for better and more effective results.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Oncology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion 

Neuroendocrine Tumours are formed due to the growth of cancerous cells in neuroendocrine cells. The cells soon form a lump known as a tumour in any body part. The symptoms of the rare form of cancer can be lowered with the help of multiple therapies or surgery.

FAQs

Q. What are Neuroendocrine Tumours? A. Neuroendocrine Tumours are a rare form of cancer caused due to spread of cancerous cells in neuroendocrine cells.

Q. What are the symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumours? A. Dizziness, fainting, pain, skin rashes, fever, and similar other health issues are some of the common disease issues.

Q. What are the risk factors for Neuroendocrine Tumours? A. Age, gender, underlying health issues, and family history of the disease are some common risk factors.

Overview

Categories of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Types of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Causes of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Risk Factors of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumours

Treatment Options for Neuroendocrine Tumours

When to Consult a Doctor

Conclusion

FAQs

Types of Neuroendocrine Tumours 

Treatment Options for Neuroendocrine Tumours

Conclusion 