Rare tumours and the challenges of diagnosing neuroendocrine cancer
From chameleon-like symptoms to modern treatment methods.
Neuroendocrine Tumour Awareness Day, 10 November. Image: Motion Composites
Every year on 10 November, the international community, cancer associations and patient organisations mark World NET Cancer Day. The main aim of this day is to raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals about neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), to disseminate information about the symptoms of the disease and to help speed up early diagnosis.
Neuroendocrine cancer falls into the category of rare and complex oncological conditions. These tumours arise from neuroendocrine cells, which are scattered throughout the body and are responsible for producing hormones; they most commonly affect the gastrointestinal tract, the pancreas and the lungs.
The insidious nature of the symptoms and the ‘great imitator’
The main challenge in treating neuroendocrine tumours lies in their prolonged asymptomatic course or their ability to masquerade as other, far more common conditions. For this reason, doctors often refer to NETs as ‘the great mimicker’, and the average time from the onset of the first symptoms to the correct diagnosis can range from 5 to 7 years.
The characteristic clinical manifestations, which depend on the tumour’s hormone secretion, include:
- Hot flushes and skin redness: sudden sensations of heat and redness of the face and neck, which are often mistaken for dermatological or autonomic disorders.
- Chronic digestive disorders: frequent bouts of diarrhoea, cramps and abdominal pain, which are often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastritis.
- Bronchospasm attacks: shortness of breath and wheezing, similar to the symptoms of bronchial asthma.
- Fluctuations in blood sugar levels: spikes in glucose levels caused by tumours of the pancreas (insulinomas or glucagonomas).
Modern diagnostic and treatment methods
Modern medicine has highly accurate tools for detecting and monitoring neuroendocrine cancer. Diagnosis involves measuring specific tumour markers in the blood (in particular, chromogranin A), computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as positron emission tomography (PET-CT) using specialised radiopharmaceuticals.
The treatment strategy for NETs is multidisciplinary and depends on the tumour’s location, size and degree of differentiation. It may include surgical removal of the tumour, somatostatin analogues to suppress hormonal activity, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radionuclide therapy (PRRT).
This material is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. If you experience any worrying symptoms, please be sure to consult the relevant specialists — your GP or an oncologist.
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