Neuroendocrine tumours
What are neuroendocrine tumours?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a rare form of tumours that appear in the cells of the endocrine cell system. They can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). There are different types of NETs, and the symptoms range from breathing difficulty, digestive disorders or hormone imbalances.
Where do neuroendocrine tumours appear in the body?
NETs can occur anywhere on the body but mostly occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas.
What are the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumours?
To begin with, neuroendocrine tumours do not always cause symptoms. General signs of a neuroendocrine tumour include:
- Pain from a growing tumour
- A lump that you can feel under the skin
- Feeling unusually fatigued
- Weight loss without trying
In cases where NETs produce excess hormones, it may lead to the following symptoms:
- Skin flushing
- Frequent urination
- Dizziness
- Shakiness
- Skin rash
How is a neuroendocrine tumour diagnosed?
The tests used to determine the NET depends on its location within the body. Your doctor will make a physical examination and look for any swollen lymph nodes. A blood and urine test will determine if there are any excess hormones, which are sometimes produced by NETs.
Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT or MRI scans will be required in order to create pictures of the tumour. In some cases of NETs, images are sometimes created using positron emission tomography (PET), which uses a radioactive tracer that is injected into the vein.
Finally, your doctor may perform a biopsy by removing a sample of cells from the site of the tumour.
What are the treatment options for neuroendocrine tumours?
Once the tumour has been diagnosed, the treatment process will depend on the location, stage and size of the tumour. Surgery will be required in order to remove the tumour and some of the healthy tissue that surrounds it.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be used alongside surgery if there is a risk that the NET will return after surgery. These therapies may also be used if surgery is not an option for the patient.
Some targeted therapies known as everolimus (taken as a tablet) and sunitinib (a capsule) can also be used if surgery is not possible or if the NET is getting worse.
You may also be given medication called somatostatin analogues, such as octreotide or lanreotide, to stop the body from producing too many hormones and to slow the progression of the disease.


NETs – what is a neuroendocrine tumour?
By Professor Christos Toumpanakis
2022-08-19
NETs (Neuroendocrine Tumours) which are also called “carcinoids”, consist of neuroendocrine cells, which already exist in our bodies. Dr Christos Toumpanakis, world-class expert in NETs, explains more. See more


Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs): what are my treatment options?
By Dr Florian Wernig
2022-08-18
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are abnormal growths that arise from neuroendocrine cells and typically appear in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and bronchi. Dr Florian Wernig, a leading consultant endocrinologist from London, walks us through the typical symptoms of NETs and what your treatments options are if you have received a diagnosis. See more


Neuroendocrine tumours: what is the survival rate?
By Professor Christos Toumpanakis
2022-08-18
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) develop from cells of the neuroendocrine system and can be located in the digestive system, lungs and other organs in the body. We spoke to leading gastroenterologist Dr Christos Toumpanakis about the condition, including the treatment options available and the survival rate following a diagnosis of NETs. See more


Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
By Professor Christos Toumpanakis
2022-08-13
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a rare type of tumour that can form in the neuroendocrine system. These may be in the gut, the lungs, or the pancreas. Symptoms differ depending on where the tumours form. Dr Christos Toumpankis, a leading gastroenterologist, explains what NETs are, the symptoms, how they are diagnosed and how they can be treated. See more
-
Dr Helen Spoudeas
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Growth disorders
- Hypopituitarism
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Childhood obesity
-
Professor Christos Toumpanakis
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Acid reflux
- Coeliac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Dysphagia
- Coeliac disease
-
Dr Florian Wernig
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Pituitary tumours
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
-
Dr Richard Sheaves
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Diabetes
- Insulin pump
- Diseases of the pituitary and hypothalamus
-
Dr Sheharyar Qureshi
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Diabetes
- Diabetes
- Infertility
- Infertility
- Insulin pump
- Thyroid disorders
- See all

London Medical
London Medical
49 Marylebone High Street
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
London Medical
49 Marylebone High Street, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Adult Diabetes
- Child Diabetes
- Endocrinology
- General practice
- Ophthalmology