The endocrine system produces hormones that have a specific effect on the functions of various organs or cells in the body. The neuroendocrine tumor is rare which can develop in cells that are a combination of hormone-producing cells and nerve cells. The neuroendocrine tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). The neuroendocrine cells are evident in various parts of the body such as the lungs, small intestine, rectum and the pancreas. These neuroendocrine cells are essential for specific functions such as regulating air and blood flow through the lungs. There are various different kinds of neuroendocrine tumors that are classified based on the site of origin. Some of the types of neuroendocrine tumors include pheochromocytoma, merkel cell cancer and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Pheochromocytoma is a rare form of tumor that develops in the specific cells of the adrenal gland which is responsible for the release of adrenaline hormone during times of stress. Even though pheochromocytoma can be benign, it is still considered to be life-threatening because of its ability to release excess amount of adrenaline after injury. Merkel cell cancer is an aggressive form that develops in the hormone-producing cells located under the skin and hair follicles. Neuroendocrine carcinoma can begin anywhere in places such as the brain, the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors are based on the location of the tumor and if it is functional or nonfunctional. Functional tumors are those that secrete the excess amount of hormone and the nonfunctional are those that do not secrete hormones. Some of the common symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include diarrhea, flushing in the face or neck without sweating, wheezing, coughing, skin lesions and abdominal pain or feeling fullness. Additional symptoms can include shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, weakness, swelling in the feet and ankles, high blood glucose levels and low blood glucose levels.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, medical history of the individual, a physical examination and with various tests. Blood and urine tests are done to detect the abnormal levels of hormones and substances which can be an indication. Imaging tests such as CT, MRI scans may be done to determine the location of the tumor and to measure its size. Before the imaging test, the contrast medium may either be intravenously administered or given orally which can provide a detailed image. In most type of tumors, a biopsy is required that involves a procedure to remove the affected tissue sample which will be examined under the microscope to detect the characteristic finding. In some cases, molecular testing of the tumor may be done to determine if a targeted therapy can be a treatment option.
Treatment
The treatment is based on the type of neuroendocrine tumor, the stage of cancer and the overall health of the individual. Surgery is considered to be the main treatment option for both pheochromocytoma and merkel cell cancer that removes the cancerous cells. Alternatively, radiation therapy and the chemotherapy are used to destroy the cancerous cells.
References
http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/neuroendocrine-tumor/treatment-options
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neuroendocrine-tumors/home/ovc-20208330
http://www.cancercenter.com/neuroendocrine-tumors/
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/neuroendocrine-tumours-nets/types-treatment
