Well-known personalities like Steve Jobs and celebrities like Irrfan Khan died due to a rare type of disease cancer It originates from cells that belong to the neuroendocrine system, which produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. These cells are spread throughout the body, especially in organs such as the pancreas, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and adrenal glands. Although rare, neuroendocrine tumors or NETs are seen due to their slow-growing nature, and for this reason, diagnosis and treatment can be challenging if not noticed early. But what are nets? How does this rare condition occur? We contacted Dr. Aditya Gupta, Director of Neurosurgery at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, who shared information on this rare condition.

What are Neuroendocrine Tumors?

NETs are derived from neuroendocrine cells, which function as nerves and hormone producers. Unlike regular cancer cells that grow aggressively and rapidly, many NETs grow much more slowly, which sometimes leads to delays in diagnosis. NETs can be benign or malignant; Even benign NETs cause significant health problems due to overproduction of hormones.

“The NETs secrete hormones like serotonin, gastrin, insulin etc. depending on their location. This can lead to different symptoms and hence, NET falls into the category of functional or non-functional if it produces symptoms due to the release of hormones,” explains Dr Gupta.

Types of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Dr. Gupta explains that neuroendocrine tumors are further divided based on their origin in the body:

– Gastrointestinal (GI) NET: The most common NET; Mainly involves the small intestine, appendix, and rectum; and may cause hormones that cause carcinoid syndrome; Symptoms include redness, diarrhea and breathing problems.

– PNET: It is produced in the pancreas and can make insulin, glucagon and other hormones. Depending on the nature of the NET, it may cause variations in blood sugar levels, gastric disturbances or hormonal disturbances.

– Lung NETs: Although rare, lung NETs can be mildly symptomatic, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. However, hormonal-type symptoms are less common in lung NETs, ​​although sometimes they secrete hormones that can affect physiological functions.

– Other NETs: NETs can sometimes present in the adrenal glands as pheochromocytoma, or in the thyroid as medullary thyroid carcinoma and present their own problems and symptoms.

Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumor

Symptoms of NETs vary dramatically depending on the location of the tumor and the ability of the tumor to produce hormones. Most often, symptoms include:

– stomach ache,

-Sudden weight loss,

– feeling tired,

– redness of the skin,

– Diarrhea, and shortness of breath in some people.

“However, because such symptoms are quite non-specific or tend to be blamed on another disease process, NETs are usually diagnosed late, sometimes years after symptoms begin,” he said.

Causes and risk factors

“The cause of NETs is not well known; However, there are genetic syndromes, such as MEN1 and NF1, that show higher risk. Sometimes, increased family history predisposes a person to a higher net. There are other contributing factors too, including age and health conditions,” said Dr Gupta.

diagnosis and treatment

“NETs are difficult to diagnose because they grow very slowly and cause non-specific symptoms. Methods include imaging studies such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans, as well as blood and urine tests that measure hormone levels. This establishes a diagnosis, identifying the type and grade of the tumor,” he said.

Treatment of NETs depends on characteristics of the tumor such as site, size, and stage. These may include the following:

Surgery: If diagnosed early, surgery can completely remove the tumor.

Medications: Some medications either block hormone production (such as somatostatin analogs) to reduce symptoms.

Targeted therapy and chemotherapy: These therapies may be able to stop NET growth in cases of advanced or aggressive NETs.

Radiation therapy: This is rarely used, but it helps in some patients.

“Neuroendocrine tumors are a rare and complex cancer affecting thousands of people around the world. Although it is rare, knowledge of NETs is constantly increasing, with advances in diagnosis and treatment improving patient outcomes, and so awareness of symptoms and risk factors may lead to earlier diagnosis and better management. So that most people can succeed in living a satisfying life with the Net, said Dr. Gupta.

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