Neuroendocrine tumor (NETs) are uncommon types of tumors that develop out of hormone-synthesizing cell types. They may grow in the digestive tube (carcinoid tumors), pancreas, lungs or in other organs. There are those NETs that secrete additional hormones, leading to specific symptoms. Early detection is one of the factors in enhancing treatment.
Symptoms are dependent on the location of the tumor as well as the activity of hormones, and include:
The exact mechanism of the NETs is mostly vague. The following are some of the factors that can put an individual at risk:
We believe that we can offer personalized treatment to neuroendocrine tumors at GastroDoxs in Katy and with compassion. The multidisciplinary team also adopts the most recent diagnostics and focused treatments, which help our team deal with and direct you throughout each of your steps. Why wait, see what you are doing, schedule your appointment and then ask us to lend you a hand.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Bowel carcinoids are normally slower growing in comparison to other NETs, and in most cases they produce serotonin that can cause flushing, diarrhea, and other symptoms due to hormones.
The diagnosis is typically based on blood tests to determine hormone studies, imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans, and in cases where it is necessary, a biopsy to determine the presence of tumor cells.
Not all lung NETs will prove aggressive, and some of these tumors, such as typical carcinoids, are slow-growing, but none of them must be ignored without assessment and periodic observation to exclude the possibility of the development of the condition.
Neuroendocrine tumors have no established prevention method. Nevertheless, adherence to a healthy diet, physical activities, and frequent check-ups may help improve digestion capabilities and prevent early disease.
The time taken to recover is dependent on the nature of surgery and the scope of surgery. The majority of patients take several weeks to be fully healed, and the follow-up treatment is conducted to address complications and guarantee a successful recovery.
Post treatment, you will receive regular follow-up appointments, which will involve blood tests and scan imaging with intervals of a few months to monitor your progress and indication of a recurrence early.
Yes. Inherited disorders such as MEN1 syndrome can be discovered through genetic testing and with their help, the members of the family who have a threat of developing NETs can be screened and monitored to detect their initial symptoms.
Chemotherapy is usually used in responding to NETS that grow rapidly or develop. The care team will assess tumor grade and the dissemination to find out the most effective treatment will be chemotherapy.
Targeted therapies inhibit the growth by blocking tumor cell proteins or receptors, and also reduce the effects the healthy tissue.
You are to plan a visit to a gastroenterologist or an NET specialist in case you have undergone persistent flushing, unexplained symptoms of the gastrointestinal system, and wheezing, among other symptoms that are related to hormonal problems.
