Definition
Definition
Neuroendocrine tumors are a rare type of tumor that can make hormones. Hormones are usually made and released by the neuroendocrine system made up of special tissues and glands. The endocrine tissue is partially controlled by the brain. Hormones affect specific body functions, such as metabolic rate, blood flow, breathing, or intestinal movements. They also alter levels of substances in the blood, such as glucose or calcium.
Neuroendocrine tumors require treatment of the tumor and management of issues created by hormonal changes. They can occur in areas throughout the body such as:
- Carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, lungs, or thymus gland
- Islet cell tumors of the pancreas
- Merkel cell tumors of the skin
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Neuroblastoma—found in the cells that form the sympathetic nervous system (mostly in infants and children)
- Ovaries, cervix, or uterus, though these tumors are rare
In many cases, neuroendocrine tumors can’t be identified as a specific type of cancer. When this occurs, it is called neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Islet Cells in the PancreasCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. Tumors that invade nearby tissues are called malignant and can spread to other parts of the body.
It is not clear exactly what causes the cells to lose growth control. Both genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk factors depend on the type of cancer and where it develops. Examples of risk factors include:
- A diet high in saturated fat (GI tract)
- Smoking (lungs)
- Excess sun exposure (skin)
- Occupational exposure to metals or toxins (lungs, skin)
Symptoms
Symptoms
Neuroendocrine tumors may produce excess hormones, which can cause specific symptoms. In those that have them, symptoms will vary based on where the tumor is and what hormones are affected.
General symptoms of cancer may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Chronic cough with or without blood
- Skin changes or sores that don’t heal
- Unexplained bleeding, especially from the GI tract
- Digestive problems, such as heartburn or difficulty swallowing
- Bladder and/or bowel changes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. In some cases, a neuroendocrine tumor is found by accident when looking for something else.
Tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests to look for hormone abnormalities
- Biopsy—tissue removed and examined under a microscope
- Imaging tests to locate tumors, which may include:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- Upper and/or lower GI series
- Scintigraphy
The doctor will use the results of these tests to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, neuroendocrine tumors are staged from I-IV. Stage I is a very localized cancer, while stage IV indicates a spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment
Treatment
Cancer treatment varies depending on the stage and type of cancer. A combination of therapies is most effective. For example, radiation may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after to make sure all the cancer has been removed. Treatments may also be needed to help manage symptoms caused by hormone secretions.
Procedures
Surgery is done to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Nearby tissue or lymph nodes may also be removed if there are signs that the cancer has spread.
Ablation is the use of heat, electricity, ethanol, or radiofrequency waves to destroy cancerous tissue using a small needle or probe is inserted into the tumor. Though it is beneficial to avoid open surgery, it is only appropriate for smaller tumors.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink remaining tumors. Current radiation therapy is designed to focus on tumor but healthy cells can be affected as well. This can cause a range of side effects.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms including pill, injection, or IV. The drugs enter the bloodstream. Chemotherapy travels through the body killing mostly cancer cells. Some healthy cells are killed as well which can cause a range of side effects.
Medications
Medications have various roles. They may be used to:
- Control or block the effects of hormones released by the tumor
- Fight or manage cancer in other ways such as increasing the body’s own immune system or blocking growth of blood vessels needed to supply the tumor
- Treat side effects cancer treatment
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent neuroendocrine tumors.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated October 15, 2014. Accessed January 9, 2015.
Kulke MH, Benson AB 3rd, et al. Neuroendocrine tumors. J Natl Compr Cancer Netw. 2012;10(6):724-764.
Neuroendocrine tumor. Cancer.net website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/neuroendocrine-tumor
Updated April 2014. Accessed January 9, 2015.
Signs and symptoms of cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer
Updated August 11, 2014. Accessed January 9, 2015.
Warner RR. Enteroendocrine tumors other than carcinoid: A review of clinically significant advances. Gastroenterology. 2005;128(6):1668-1684.