What Are Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)? Symptoms & Diagnosis
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that develop from neuroendocrine cells. These are specialised cells found throughout the body that have features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. They help regulate different body functions by receiving signals from the nervous system and releasing hormones.
Because neuroendocrine cells are found in many organs, NETs can develop in different parts of the body. They most commonly occur in the digestive system, pancreas and lungs, although they can also arise elsewhere. Some NETs produce hormones, while others do not.
Symptoms can vary widely depending on where the tumour develops and whether it produces hormones. They may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flushing, nausea, or symptoms related to the affected organ. Some NETs may cause few or no symptoms, which can make them difficult to detect early.
Diagnosis depends on the location and type of tumour and may involve blood or urine tests, CT or MRI scans, specialised PET imaging and a biopsy. A biopsy allows the tumour cells to be examined to confirm the diagnosis and provide information that can help guide treatment.
Your Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) Consultation: What to Expect
Neuroendocrine tumours can differ in where they arise, how they behave and whether they produce hormones, so the focus of your consultation will depend on your diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Generally, your specialist will discuss your medical history and diagnosis and review available pathology, imaging and laboratory results. Depending on the suspected or confirmed NET, further testing or specialised imaging may be needed to clarify the tumour site, type and extent before treatment is planned.
To request a consultation, contact us through WhatsApp. Our team will respond to your enquiry within one business day and help connect you with an appropriate specialist.
Our Approach to Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) Treatment
Treatment for NET is individualised. The approach can depend on where the tumour started, its type and grade, whether it has spread, whether it produces hormones and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Because NET can arise in different organs and may require specialised pathology, imaging and treatment, care may involve clinicians from different disciplines. Our medical oncologists work with other specialists involved in a patient’s care to support diagnosis and treatment planning. For NET, this may include surgeons, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, pathologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include surgery, somatostatin analogues, targeted therapy, chemotherapy or radionuclide treatment such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Not every treatment is appropriate for every NET.
