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Neuroendocrine Tumors Symptoms

There are no neuroendocrine tumor screening tests available. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with neuroendocrine tumor symptoms.

Screening for Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors are relatively rare, affecting about 12,000 people in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, there is currently no neuroendocrine tumor screening test available to check for the disease before symptoms appear.

To date, no screening exams have proved to reduce neuroendocrine cancer deaths in the general population. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with neuroendocrine tumor symptoms and alert your doctor right away if you experience them.

What are the Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumors?

Many neuroendocrine tumors are diagnosed incidentally, meaning as a result of tests or surgery for another, unrelated condition. Others are diagnosed when a person experiences neuroendocrine tumor symptoms and goes to the doctor for evaluation.

Neuroendocrine cancers don’t usually cause symptoms in the beginning, and when they do appear, they tend to be vague and difficult to diagnose. Neuroendocrine tumor symptoms may be associated with the physical size of the tumor (greater than a few inches) pressing on nearby organs, the tumor releasing excessive hormones into the body or both. Neuroendocrine tumor symptoms also can vary depending on type and location of tumor.

General symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss 

Symptoms related to tumor size and location:

  • Pain in a particular area
  • Lump or mass
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent cough or hoarseness
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Jaundice
  • Unusual bleeding 

Symptoms related to hormone overproduction:

  • Diarrhea
  • Facial flushing
  • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia (abnormally high or low blood glucose) 

Most people who experience these symptoms do not have neuroendocrine cancer. Still, it’s important to seek a diagnosis right away. The sooner neuroendocrine cancer is diagnosed, the better your prognosis will be.