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Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) form in cells that interact with the nervous system or in glands that produce hormones. These cells, called neuroendocrine cells, can be found throughout the body, but NETs are most often found in the abdomen, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors may also be found in the lungs, pancreas and adrenal glands. Merkel cell cancer, a type of skin cancer, also is considered a neuroendocrine cancer.
More than 12,000 NETs are diagnosed each year in the United States, accounting for a small fraction of the number of new cancer cases. But more and more Americans are being diagnosed with this disease, with incidence rates rising markedly over the past 15 years.In addition to being rare, NETs are complex and may be difficult to diagnose. That’s why it’s important to get expert care from a dedicated team with experience and training in treating cancer. Your individualized plan will include evidence-based treatments and technologies to fight neuroendocrine cancer, combined with supportive care services to help reduce side effects and keep you strong in body, mind and spirit.
What you should know after a neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis
Treatment options
Treatment for NETs varies, depending largely on the type and stage of the disease. Common treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors include:
Surgery
Surgery to remove the primary tumor is often the first-line treatment for patients with localized NETs.
Medical oncology
Depending on the type of NET and treatment goals, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or targeted therapy may be an option.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is generally used when a neuroendocrine tumor has spread or is in a location that makes surgery difficult.
Gastroenterology
A gastroenterologist may need to remove obstructions in the GI tract and relieve pain or breathing problems.
Supportive care
The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors are wide-ranging, depending on where in the body the disease is found. These symptoms may include pain, gastrointestinal issues, high blood pressure and fatigue. Supportive care therapies may help you manage the side effects of the disease and its treatment and help maintain your strength and quality of life. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts will offer a variety of therapies, to help keep you strong during and after treatment. These therapies may include:
Learn about neuroendocrine tumors
NETs, sometimes referred to as carcinoids, are abnormal growths that begin in the neuroendocrine cells, which are distributed widely throughout the body. While some features of NETs are unique to the site of origin, other characteristics are shared, regardless of their location. Although NETs comprise less than 2 percent of gastrointestinal malignancies, these tumors are more prevalent than cancers of the stomach and pancreas combined. The National Cancer Institute reports a five-fold increase in the incidence of neuroendocrine tumors from 1973 to 2004.
"I have good days and bad, but I always have a positive attitude knowing that I survived. I often sit outside looking at the stars and enjoying the back porch, not taking my time for granted. I also enjoy spending time with my son and two grandsons, who are the center of my universe. Also, I am expecting a granddaughter in July. I am grateful for every moment."
