Neuroendocrine cancer, also referred to as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN), or carcinoid, is a rare type of cancer that develops in the neuroendocrine cells that secrete hormones into the body.  These cells are found throughout the body’s organs and help control many of the body’s functions.  Normal neuroendocrine cells are often hard to see under the microscope because they are small and hidden between other types of cells.   Some neuroendocrine cancer can take years to develop and often grows slowly, while other neuroendocrine cancer is fast-growing. Neuroendocrine cancer is often referred to a "heterogeneous"  because it is different in appearance and behavior from other types of cancer occurring in the same organ.  Additionally, different types of neuroendocrine cancers behave differently.  Click here for a brief video overview about neuroendocrine cancer.

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The exact cause of neuroendocrine cancer is not known, but it may be associated with weakened immune systems, family history of the disease, tobacco smoking, and high consumption of red meat and alcohol. The symptoms of neuroendocrine cancer vary based on the location of the tumor and what hormones it produces. The exact hormones secreted by neuroendocrine cancer also depend on the location of the tumor and the type of cell that the tumor originated from. For instance, neuroendocrine tumors in the pancreas can secrete insulin, gastrin, and glucagon, while those in the lungs can secrete serotonin, histamine, and bradykinin.  As a result, symptoms may vary--a tumor in the digestive tract may cause abdominal pain or diarrhea, while a tumor in the lung may cause cough and wheezing.

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Frequency of Occurrence

Neuroendocrine cancer represents an estimated 2% of all cancer malignancies in the United States.  According to Cancer.Net, more than 12,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) each year, and approximately 171,000 people are living with this diagnosis.  The prognosis (outcome) depends on multiple factors including

• the location of the tumor

• the grade of the tumor

• the stage of the tumor. 

• the patient's age at the time of diagnosis, and general health 

• how well the treatment type works. and

• whether the tumor can be removed using surgery.

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The initial stages of neuroendocrine cancer are often asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms.  Later stages show different symptoms based on the location of the tumor and what hormones it produces.  Therefore, an oncologist is an important partner in assuring the correct diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine cancer. Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis and prevention of cancer.  In addition to a diagnosis and a treatment plan for neuroendocrine cancer, the oncologist will also identify needed follow-up.​​

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Neuroendocrine Symptoms

Neuroendocrine cancer symptoms depend on factors such as:

• the location of the tumor;

• the grade of the tumor;

• the stage of the tumor. 

 

Symptoms can include one or more of the following:

• flushing (redness and warmth of the face or neck without sweating),

• high blood pressure,

• fatigue and weakness,

• wheezing and coughing,

• swelling of feet and ankle,

• abdominal pain and cramping,

• weight loss or gain which cannot be explained,

• hypoglycemia, 

• hyperglycemia.   

• pain from a growing tumor

• a growing lump you can feel under the skin

 

Functional neuroendocrine cancer that produces excess hormones might cause:

• Skin flushing

• Diarrhea

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst

• Dizziness

• Shakiness

• Skin rash

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