NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR

Neuroendocrine Tumors and What You Need To Know

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET's) are a mix of different cancers made up of carcinoid tumors and pancreatic NET (PNET). The majority are relatively slow growing and have a propensity to secrete a variety of hormones depending on their site of origin, giving rise to diverse clinical symptoms. As a rule, carcinoid tumors arise in the mid-gut and may produce serotonin which causes the clinical syndrome called serotonin syndrome. This syndrome manifests primarily as facial flushing and diarrhea but can also result in carcinoid heart disease with fibrosis of the valves in the heart. Serotonin syndrome is usually seen in people whose tumor has metastasized to the liver.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) arise from specific hormone producing cells in the pancreas. These tumors can secrete a variety of hormones but most are non-functioning, meaning they don't secrete any hormones but enlarge silently over time.
Treatment options have evolved in recent years and depend on the type of tumor involved. Hepatic-directed therapies such as those offered at CiC are appropriate for people whose tumors has metastasized to the liver with the aim of reducing symptoms of serotonin syndrome and preventing carcinoid heart disease, maintaining liver function, and prolonging survival. To learn more, call today to schedule a visit with one of our professionals.