Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

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Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are an unusual and challenging disease that requires treatment by a NET specialist. At London Medical, we understand that no one case is the same and that every patient’s journey must reflect their individual needs. Your care will be led by a neuroendocrine specialist who will head up a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to your unique case. If you require investigation for NETs or you want access to the latest cutting-edge treatments, our experts have experience diagnosing and treating NETs to ensure that you’ll have the best possible outcomes.

Understanding neuroendocrine tumours

A neuroendocrine tumour (NET) begins in hormone-producing cells that are part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a complex system composed of glands that secrete hormones (chemical messengers). These hormones carry instructions and information to other parts of the body to coordinate and influence a range of bodily functions, from metabolism and growth to reproduction.

Neuroendocrine cells are specialised cells that link your endocrine system to your nervous system. They are found throughout the body, and when a tumour or group of tumours begins in these cells, it is called a neuroendocrine tumour (NET). Tumours can form in many different parts of the body, most commonly the lungs, pancreas or digestive system.

NETs are classified by where they are first found. NETs can be found in the following places:

lungs
pancreas
small intestines
large intestines
rectum
stomach
oesophagus
appendix
skin
prostate
uterus
adrenal, parathyroid and pituitary glands.

What are the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumours?

Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumours depend on where the tumour is located. Symptoms might also arise as a result of hormones produced by the tumour. Tumours that secrete hormones are called functional tumours, whereas those that do not release hormones are non-functional tumours.

Often a patient will not experience any signs or symptoms at first. Depending on the location and type of the NET, an individual might experience:

Because primary care doctors can confuse many of these symptoms as a sign of other, more common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or asthma, patients are often misdiagnosed or experience a delay in being referred to a specialist.

Endocrinologists have a higher level of experience and ongoing training that cannot be matched by a general practitioner. The signs and symptoms of NETs will be recognised by an endocrinologist who will ensure that you are referred to London Medical’s NET specialist for thorough testing.

Our approach to neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

We know that being diagnosed with a tumour can be overwhelming. We offer compassionate care and make sure you have time to discuss your concerns and ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment options. Medicine is changing fast, and we believe that our patients should be a part of this, not simply another number in a resource-restricted guideline. We know that every case is different and will tailor your patient journey to your unique experience. An expert who has experience treating these complex tumours will lead a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring that you have a coordinated approach to your care. All NET patients are discussed in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings. Together, your team will provide the best possible care and access to all the latest treatment options.

Getting diagnosed

Your initial consultation at London Medical will begin with a thorough personal history of your symptoms and background.

Comprehensive bloods and urinalysis are done in-house, and we help coordinate external imaging scans and tests as needed. Your consultant might suggest the following investigations:

Your diagnosis will include the grade and stage of your tumour. The grade indicates the tumour’s growth rate, whereas the stage indicates how advanced the tumour is (i.e., where it has spread). This information helps you know what to expect and anticipate how your team will approach your treatment.

What are my treatment options?

Your personalised treatment plan will include one plan for tumour treatment and another for treating any hormonal symptoms that you may be experiencing due to a functional tumour. If necessary, your consultant might prescribe somatostatin analogues to control your excess hormones and tumour growth, which can be administered in-house at London Medical.

Like most cancer treatments, the recommended treatment for NETs is multimodal, meaning we might suggest more than one method of treatment for your tumours. Potential treatment options might include:

surgery
anti-hormonal therapy
therapy with radioactively labelled agents
drugs targeting specific processes in the neuroendocrine tumour cells
chemotherapy

Even after your treatment concludes, you will require lifelong monitoring to check for changes in your health.

London Medical also offers patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials and research. We have access to the latest studies in the UK, and many of our patients choose to be a part of this vital area of cancer research.

Coping with NETs can be a challenge for you and your family and friends. By taking a preventative approach to looking after your physical and psychological well-being, you can give yourself the best possible chance for recovery and remission. At London Medical, we offer access to various specialties – all under one roof. Whether you’re looking for a personalised weight management programme, expert nutritional advice, physiotherapy or reproductive support after cancer treatment, we’re here to help look after your whole health.

Meet our experts in neuroendocrine tumours