Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) involve the growth of cells that produce certain hormones that may interfere with your body’s functioning. Hormones are responsible for various bodily functions. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here in this guide, you should immediately see a Neuroendocrine Tumor Singapore specialist. There are different types of NETs and only a few of them are cancerous. This tumor can grow in the pancreas, intestines, stomach, or lungs.
Cancerous Neuroendocrine Tumours
As already mentioned some types of Neuroendocrine Tumors can become malignant and spread to other body parts. These tumors may also produce hormones that can create certain symptoms. Then there are benign NETs that stay at once spot and don’t grow out of their original area.
What are the Symptoms of NETs?
There are different types of neuroendocrine tumors and some may require Chemotherapy Singapore treatment. The symptoms of different types of NETs vary based on where they occur in the body. The common symptoms include high blood pressure, pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
Your doctor can provide you with supportive care therapies to manage the symptoms. The treatment process may also involve strengthening the body in different ways. The symptoms of this condition can include the following:
Symptoms Based on Location & Tumor Size
You can suffer from the following symptoms of NETs based on their location and size:
- Consistent pain in the area
- Vomiting or nausea
- Formation of a lump or thickening in the area
You may suffer from a persistent cough. Your bowel movements may undergo significant, unexplained changes. You may also suffer from jaundice or bleeding without any apparent cause.
Symptoms of Cancerous NETs
If you have developed malignant NETs, you may have the following symptoms:
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Symptoms of NETs Releasing Hormones
If your neuroendocrine tumor produces hormones, the symptoms can include the following:
- You suffer from facial flushing, mostly without any sweating
- You suffer from diarrhea
- You show symptoms of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia
Some of the other symptoms of hormonal Neuroendocrine Tumor Singapore include skin rashes, gastric ulcer disease, anxiety and confusion, and even nutritional deficiencies in rare cases.
Treatment of NETs
Chemotherapy Singapore is the most common treatment option used by doctors. The therapy involves the use of drugs to destroy the tumor cells. It may be provided orally or intravenously. Your doctor may prescribe this therapy if they find out that the tumor may recur post-surgery. It can also be used for treating advanced tumors that cannot be removed through surgery.
Your doctor may also suggest radiation therapy to treat these types of tumors. This is often used when the tumor spreads or it is located in a part where surgery may be challenging. This type of therapy involves the use of strong beams of energy to destroy the tumor cells. Many types of cancer cells may respond to this therapy.
If you have a neuroendocrine tumor or tumors, it is important to find a facility that has a team of multidisciplinary cancer experts. This can help you seek a variety of therapies and ensures comprehensive treatment.
