Definition:
Neuroendocrine cancer is cancer of the interface between the endocrine system and the nervous system. It is also known as gastro-entero-pancreatic or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
Some examples of neuroendocrine tumors are carcinoid tumors, islet cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma. These tumors secrete hormones in excess, causing a variety of symptoms.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors is based on strong suspicions based on clinical manifestations present in the patient, though appropriate biochemical confirmation is still necessary including:
* CT scan
* MRI
* Ultrasound
* Endoscopy
* OctreoScan, also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS or SSR)
Treatment:
Surgery is the only effective treatment to cure neuroendocrine cancer. There are also therapies that can assist in the healing improvement of patients with neuroendocrine cancer: chemotherapy, hormone delivered radiotherapy, hepatic artery-delivered therapies.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include:
* flushing
* vague abdominal pain
* diarrhea or increase in number of bowel movements
* weight loss
* weight gain
* heart palpitations
* congestive heart failure (CHF)
* asthma
* acromegaly
* Cushing's syndrome
* Bronchial restrictions /wheezing
* Myopathy
* Abnormal increased in skin pigmentation
* Many tumors are asymptomatic; meaning no sign of existence is evident.
