Neuroendocrine tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Cancer Cancer types in adults Neuroendocrine tumours Neuroendocrine tumours Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that can occur in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system consists of nerve and gland cells. It produces hormones and releases them into the bloodstream. NETs are tumours (abnormal growths) that develop in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. NETs can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and oftenbut not always grow slowly. There are a number of different types of NET, depending on the specific cells affected. Types of neuroendocrine tumours Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP NETs) are tumours that develop in the gut or pancreas. Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours (GI NETs) develop in the digestive system, which includes the bowel, stomach or oesophagus. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) develop in the pancreas. Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours develop in the lungs. Rarely, NETs can also develop in other parts of the body, including in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, ovaries, or testicles. Some NETs, known as functioning tumours, produce hormones that cause specific symptoms. Tumours that dont cause symptoms are known as non-functioning tumours. Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumours The symptoms ofaneuroendocrine tumourcan vary depending on where it is and what hormones it produces. For example,atumour in the digestive system may cause diarrhoea , constipation or tummy pains. A tumour in the lung may cause wheezing or a persistent cough . Some tumours (functioning tumours) may cause abnormally large amounts of hormones to be released into the bloodstream. This cancause symptoms such as diarrhoea, flushing, cramps, wheezing, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), changes in blood pressure and heart problems. What causesneuroendocrine tumours? What causes neuroendocrine tumours isnt fully understood. However,your chance of developing a NET is increasedif you have one of the following rare conditions or syndromes: multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) a rare inherited condition where tumours in the endocrine system develop, most commonly in the parathyroid glands, pituitary gland and the pancreas neurofibrmatosis type 1a group of genetic conditions that cause tumours to grow along your nerves Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL)  an inherited condition that causes blood vessels to grow abnormally Research has also shown that your risk of developing a NET is slightly increased if one of your parents has had one in the past. Diagnosingneuroendocrine tumours There are many tests that canbe used to diagnose NETs, including blood tests , urine tests, scans, and a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for closer examination). Different types of scans may also be used to identify or examine tumours. These include: ultrasound scans  including echocardiograms and endoscopic ultrasound scans computerised tomography (CT) scans magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans positron emission tomography (PET) scans octreotide scans where mild radioactive liquid is injected into your veins anda special camera is used to highlightany cancerous cells Treating neuroendocrine tumours How a neuroendocrine tumour is treated will depend on yourindividual circumstances. For example, your treatment will depend on: where the tumour is how advanced your condition is your overallhealth Unfortunately, many people are only diagnosed after other parts of their body are affected. However, it may still be possible tosurgically remove the tumour, even if it has spread to other parts of your body. If surgery cant be used to completely cure your condition, it may be used to help manage and reduce any symptoms that you have. It may also be possible to shrink the tumour or stop further growth using treatments that block the blood supply to the tumour (embolisation),or chemotherapy , radiotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (where heat is used to destroy the cells). The Cancer Research UK website has more information about neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) . Information about you If you haveneuroendocrine tumours, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time. Find out more about the register . Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 14 November 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Other health sites Cancer Research UK: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) Macmillan Cancer Support: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) Search for cancer support services near you Enter a place or postcode NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852