Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments 🧠✨
Have you
recently come across the term neuroendocrine tumour (NET) and
wondered what it really means? 🤔 You’re not alone. This condition is rare, complex,
and often misunderstood. Many people only hear about NETs after a diagnosis,
which can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive
guide is designed to help you understand what neuroendocrine
tumours are, their symptoms, causes, stages, treatments, and ways to cope.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap of what NETs mean and
how they are managed.
👉 Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved
one, or simply curious, this article will give you professional yet
easy-to-digest insights.
🌟 What Are Neuroendocrine Tumours
(NETs)?
A neuroendocrine
tumour (NET) is a rare form of cancer that begins in
the neuroendocrine cells. These special cells are scattered
throughout your body, especially in the:
- Pancreas
- Digestive system (stomach,
small intestine, rectum, appendix)
- Lungs
- Adrenal glands
- Thyroid
These cells
act like “dual-role messengers” 📨 — they receive signals from the nervous system and
release hormones into the bloodstream.
🔑 Key fact: Some NETs grow very
slowly, while others are aggressive and spread quickly.
🧩 Types of Neuroendocrine Tumours
NETs can
develop in different organs, and their behavior varies depending on the site.
Here are the main types:
1. Pancreatic
Neuroendocrine Tumours (pNETs)
- Arise in the pancreas.
- May release hormones such as insulin or glucagon.
- Functional pNETs cause
hormone-related symptoms.
- Non-functional pNETs may
not produce hormones and are often diagnosed late.
2. Gastrointestinal NETs
(GI NETs)
- Found in the stomach, intestines, appendix, or rectum.
- Sometimes produce serotonin or other hormones,
causing carcinoid syndrome.
- In some cases, they grow silently and are discovered during
unrelated scans.
3. Lung NETs
- Known as carcinoid tumours.
- Two types: typical (slow-growing) and atypical
(faster-growing).
- May cause coughing, wheezing, or chest pain.
4. Adrenal Gland NETs
(Pheochromocytoma)
- Develop in the adrenal glands above the kidneys.
- Release adrenaline-like hormones, leading to high
blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, and headaches.
5. Medullary Thyroid
Carcinoma (MTC)
- A rare thyroid NET.
- Often linked to genetic syndromes like MEN2.
👉 Why it matters: Knowing the type
of NET helps doctors plan the best treatment.
📊 Stages & Grades of
Neuroendocrine Tumours
Understanding
the stage (spread) and grade (cell growth
rate) is crucial.
Staging (Extent of Spread)
- Stage 1: Small, localized tumour.
- Stage 2: Larger, may involve nearby tissues.
- Stage 3: Spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Spread (metastasis) to distant
organs such as liver, lungs, or bones.
Grading (Cell Behavior)
- Grade 1: Slow-growing, cells look almost
normal.
- Grade 2: Moderate growth, cells slightly
abnormal.
- Grade 3: Fast-growing, abnormal-looking
cells.
⚡ Tip: A Stage 4 Grade 1 tumour may
progress more slowly than a Stage 2 Grade 3 tumour.
⚠️ Symptoms of Neuroendocrine
Tumours
Symptoms
vary depending on the tumour’s location and hormone activity.
Common Symptoms:
- Digestive issues:
Bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
- Skin flushing (redness,
especially face & neck).
- Unexplained weight changes.
- High blood pressure or blood sugar problems.
- Persistent cough or wheezing (lung
NETs).
- Fatigue & weakness.
- Palpitations & fast heartbeat.
- Unexplained fever or infections.
- Dizziness or fainting due to low blood sugar.
👉 Because these symptoms mimic common
conditions, NETs are often diagnosed late.
🧬 What Causes Neuroendocrine
Tumours?
The exact
cause is not fully understood, but several factors play a role:
- Genetics: Inherited syndromes like MEN1,
MEN2, Von Hippel–Lindau disease.
- DNA mutations: Changes
in genes controlling cell growth.
- Age factor: More
common after 40 years old.
- Environmental exposure: Chemicals
or toxins (limited evidence).
- Chronic inflammation: Long-term
digestive issues may increase risk.
- Weakened immunity: Reduced
ability to destroy abnormal cells.
📌 Risk Factors
Having one
or more risk factors doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop a NET, but it increases
the likelihood.
- Family history of NETs or genetic syndromes
- Age 40+
- Gender differences (some
NETs slightly more common in men/women)
- Smoking 🚬
(increases lung NET risk)
- Unhealthy diet & lifestyle
- Chronic gastritis or ulcers
- Previous radiation exposure
🚨 Possible Complications
If
untreated or advanced, NETs can lead to:
- Hormone overproduction →
high blood pressure, diarrhoea, glucose imbalance.
- Carcinoid syndrome →
flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing.
- Carcinoid heart disease ❤️ → heart valve damage.
- Liver damage (if
cancer spreads).
- Digestive blockages/bleeding.
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Emotional & mental stress 😔.
🔍 Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine
Tumours
Diagnosing
NETs often involves multiple tests:
- Medical history & exam.
- Blood tests (chromogranin
A, hormone levels).
- Urine tests (5-HIAA
for serotonin breakdown).
- Imaging scans: CT,
MRI, PET.
- Endoscopy/Colonoscopy (if
GI NET suspected).
- Biopsy (microscopic confirmation).
- Nuclear medicine scans (Octreotide
scan, Gallium-68 PET).
- Genetic testing (if
hereditary risk suspected).
💊 Treatment Options
Treatment
depends on tumour type, size, spread, and hormone activity.
Main Treatments:
- Surgery – Best for localized tumours.
- Radiotherapy –
Targets tumour cells with radiation.
- Chemotherapy –
For aggressive/high-grade NETs.
- Targeted therapy –
Blocks tumour-specific growth pathways.
- Hormone therapy –
Manages symptoms & tumour growth.
- PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy) – Delivers radioactive drugs directly to tumour cells.
- Ablation/Embolization –
Treats liver tumours by heat or blocking blood supply.
- Supportive care –
Relieves pain, fatigue, digestive issues.
💚 Coping & Support
A NET
diagnosis affects both body and mind. Here are coping strategies:
- Talk openly with
loved ones or counsellors.
- Join support groups (both
local & online).
- Stay informed 🧾 about new treatments.
- Practice self-care (balanced
diet, light exercise, rest).
- Take one step at a time –
don’t overwhelm yourself.
🛡 Prevention & Lifestyle
While NETs
can’t always be prevented, you can reduce risks by:
- Knowing family history &
screening if needed.
- Regular health check-ups.
- Not smoking 🚭.
- Staying active 🏃♂️.
- Eating a balanced diet 🥗.
- Managing chronic conditions.
✅ Conclusion
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare but increasingly recognized cancers. They may
grow silently, mimic other conditions, and cause hormone-related issues.
Early detection, correct diagnosis, and tailored treatment make a huge difference. With modern
therapies, many people live long, fulfilling lives despite NETs. 💪💚
❓ FAQs
Q1: How serious are NETs?
Some are slow-growing and manageable; others are aggressive.
Q2: Are NETs curable?
Yes, if detected early and surgically removed. Advanced NETs can be controlled
with treatment.
Q3: Can I live long with NETs?
Absolutely. Many patients live decades with proper treatment.
Q4: What’s the best treatment?
Depends on tumour type and stage. Options include surgery, PRRT, and hormone
therapy.
Q5: How can I detect NETs early?
Through regular check-ups, imaging scans, and hormone tests,
especially if you have risk factors.
📚 Sources
- Mayo Clinic – Neuroendocrine Tumours
- Cancer Research UK – Neuroendocrine Tumours
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- American Cancer Society
- NET Patient Foundation
⚠️ Disclaimer
This
article is for educational purposes only. It is not a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always
consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any medical concerns.
