Neuroendocrine Cancer
Neuroendocrine Cancer 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.
Neuroendocrine Cancer 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)
Neuroendocrine Cancer 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.
Neuroendocrine Cancer 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.