Neuroendocrine Cancer

Neuroendocrine Cancer starts in cells of the neuroendocrine system. This system is a network of cells throughout the body that have a structure similar to neurons (nerve cells) and produce hormones like endocrine cells.

About this Cancer

Statistics

  • There are no specific statistics reported for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in Canada, the reason being that these statistics are mostly included with the statistics based on where the cancer started. (i.e. Gastrointestinal (GI) NETs are included in the statistics for GI cancers, such as the small intestine, colon or rectum, or stomach. The earlier NETs are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. There are effective treatments available for NETs. (CCS, 2024)
  • Survival statistics for NETs are usually based on the experience of groups of people and therefore cannot be used to predict a particular person’s chances of survival. NETs grow slowly and are often found incidentally while looking for or treating another problem. They can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are often vague. (CCS, 2024)

Symptoms

In its early stage, a NET often causes no symptoms and may only be detected during an unrelated x-ray or surgery for another condition. If a person presents neuroendocrine cancer symptoms, they may be associated with the size and-or location of the tumor or with the release of hormones, such as carcinoid syndrome. These are the following symptoms of Neuroendocrine cancer:

  • Fatigue
  • Pain due to an expanding tumour
  • Losing weight easily
  • A growing lump you can feel beneath the skin

For more information visit the Mayo Clinic

Risk Factors

Risk factors for Neuroendocrine cancer include:

  • Genetic conditions such as
    • Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1)
    • Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN 2A and MEN2B)
    • Tuberous sclerosis
    • Neurofibromatosis type 1
    • Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
  • Familial history of cancer

For more information visit The Canadian Cancer Society

Diagnosis

The following are tests that may be used to diagnose neuroendocrine cancer.

  • Physical examination
  • Imaging tests including:
    • Computed Tomography (CT) scan
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    • Positron emission testing (PET) scan
    • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy

You can find more information on neuroendocrine diagnosis at Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

Treatment for neuroendocrine cancer will depend on a variety of factors like the cancer origin, whether the cancer has metastasized, the stage/grade of the cancer, if the cancer is a neuroendocrine tumour or a neuroendocrine carcinoma etc. Treatment options may include

  • Surgery
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiation therapy

For  more information visit The Canadian Cancer Society

Stories from Other Survivors

Resources

Latest Research

Currently there is no research in this section. To add research, email info@survivornet.ca

Neuroendocrine Cancer Groups

Canada

  • Sunnybrook Health Science Centre: Our mission is to care for our patients and their families when it matters most. Our vision is to invent the future of health care. Our values are: excellence, collaboration, accountability, respect and engagement. From our beginnings as a hospital for Canadian veterans, Sunnybrook has flourished into a fully affiliated teaching hospital of the University of Toronto, evolving to meet the needs of our growing community. Today, with 1.3 million patient visits each year, Sunnybrook has established itself across three campuses and is home to Canada’s largest trauma centre. We are world leaders in the care of neuroendocrine tumours (NET). Our multidisciplinary clinic is the only one of its kind in Canada. Our integrated care model sees all specialists and treatment options under one roof. Sunnybrook’s groundbreaking research changes the way patients are treated around the world. Our over 200 scientists and clinician-scientists conduct more than $100 million of breakthrough research each year. Tomorrow, we will discover ways to treat the untreatable.
  • Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (CNETS): The objectives of CNETS are: To provide workshops and seminars on issues dealing with conditions associated with carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumour diseases; To establish support groups to provide support services for those affected by carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumour diseases; To increase awareness of and educate the public and health care professionals on carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumours, their diagnosis, treatment and management; and to support cancer research by gifting funds to other registered charities or organizations that are otherwise qualified donees as defined in subsection 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act. The Carcinoid-NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society (CNETS) – Canada was formed in 2007 to assist the Canadian community, primarily patients, with this type of disease.