A doctor or any other health care provider can surely help to solve the mysteries of neuroendocrine cancer. Here, we will discuss about the neuroendocrine cancer symptoms.

The pancreas is a gland shaped like a thin pear. it is six inches long in length and lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine. There are two different types of cells found in the pancreas.

• Endocrine pancreas cells: these cells secrete several kinds of hormones such as insulin. Insulin controls the sugar level of the blood. The cells are grouped together to form a cluster throughout the pancreas. The cluster is called islets. these cells have two other names: islets of Langerhans or islet cells.
• Exocrine pancreas cells: these cells produce enzymes that are secreted into the small intestine to help the body digest food. The pancreas is made up of ducts. Each duct has small sacs at the end. these small sacs are lined with exocrine cells.

The tumor of islet cells is referred as a pancreatic endocrine tumor (PET), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, islet cell carcinoma, or pancreatic carcinoid.

A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of developing the cancer. for example, prolonged exposure to smoking causes lung cancer. Persons who think that they may be at risk must consult a doctor.

People having multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome are at increased risk of developing neuroendocrine cancer.

Neuroendocrine Cancer Symptoms

The neuroendocrine cancer tumors may or may not show symptoms. Even though, a doctor must be consulted if any of the symptoms occur.

• Indigestion
• A lump in the abdomen
• Pain in the back or abdomen
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Diarrhea
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Unexplained weight gain or loss

A non-functioning islet cell tumor can grow for a long time with no symptoms. The symptoms tend to show when the tumor grows large or spread to other parts of the body.

Pancreatic peptide (PPoma) making tumor never shows symptoms

The doctor may order for various tests after examining the patient. they check the patient’s general signs of health, checking for signs of disease such as a lump or unusual things. The doctor will ask about patients’ health habits, previous disorders, and treatments.

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy: A type of scanning procedure to find out small islet cell tumors.

Abdominal ultrasound: an ultrasound exam to create pictures of the inner part of the abdomen.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): an endoscope is inserted into the body to create a picture of the body tissues. This picture is called a sonogram.

Immunochemistry study: this test tells the difference between different types of cancer.

Serum tumor marker test: in this test a sample of blood is checked to calculate the amounts of certain substances released in the body by organs, or tumor cells.

Laparotomy: This is a surgical procedure to check the inner part of the abdomen for signs of disease.

Angiogram: this procedure checks the flow of the blood and blood vessels.

Intraoperative ultrasound: This procedure uses high-energy sound waves to generate images of internal organs or tissues during surgery.

Bone, abdominal CT, and MRI scan makes a series of detailed pictures of the abdomen. these pictures are taken from different angles.

Biopsy and blood chemistry studies test checks the cancer cells and the amounts of certain substances such as glucose respectively.

The prognosis and treatment of neuroendocrine cancer depends upon the type of cancer cell. The location of the tumor and spreading of the disease in the pancreas or to other parts of the body are also taken into consideration. A person having MEN1 syndrome, age, and health condition of the patient are the factors that may affect the prognosis of the disease.

Neuroendocrine cancer can occur both in men and women and it is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the neuroendocrine cancer symptoms occurs.