The signs and symptoms of neuroendocrine cancer can vary depending on where the tumour develops and whether it produces excess hormones. These tumours can affect the digestive system, pancreas, lungs, and other parts of the body.
Some people experience persistent digestive problems, unexplained weight loss, or breathing difficulties. Others may have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making it important to understand the possible warning signs.
What Is Neuroendocrine Cancer?
Neuroendocrine cells help the body respond to signals from the nervous system and produce hormones. These cells are found in several organs, so neuroendocrine tumours can develop in different parts of the body.
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) do not all behave in the same way. Some grow slowly, while others can be more aggressive. Some release excess hormones that cause symptoms, while others do not.
The term neuroendocrine neoplasm covers different types of growths, including tumours with varying potential to spread. A specialist can determine the tumour type and behaviour through appropriate tests.
What Are the Early Signs of Neuroendocrine Cancer?
Early neuroendocrine tumours may not cause obvious symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can resemble common health problems, making the underlying cause difficult to identify.
Possible early signs include:
- Persistent or recurring abdominal discomfort.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Ongoing fatigue.
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea.
- Reduced appetite.
- A persistent cough or breathing difficulties, depending on the tumour’s location.
- Unexplained episodes of flushing or sweating.
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer. Digestive problems, tiredness, flushing, and coughing can have many causes. However, symptoms that persist, recur, or worsen should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
The Cancer Institute NSW explains neuroendocrine tumour symptoms, including why their presentation can vary.
Quick Summary: Signs and Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Cancer
| Symptom category |
Possible signs and symptoms |
| Digestive symptoms |
Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting |
| General symptoms |
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or reduced appetite |
| Hormone-related symptoms |
Flushing, sweating, dizziness, shakiness, or changes in blood sugar |
| Lung-related symptoms |
Persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort |
| Carcinoid syndrome symptoms |
Recurrent flushing, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, or wheezing |
| Possible complications |
Gastrointestinal bleeding or bowel obstruction in some cases |
|
Important: Not everyone with a neuroendocrine tumour experiences these symptoms. They can also occur with other health conditions, and some tumours cause no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Consult a healthcare professional about persistent or unexplained symptoms.
|
Signs and Symptoms Based on the Tumour’s Location
The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumours often depend on the organ where they develop. Some symptoms occur because a tumour affects nearby tissues, while others result from hormones released into the bloodstream.
Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumours
Neuroendocrine tumours can develop in parts of the digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, appendix, rectum, and other areas.
Possible symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating.
- Persistent diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Blood in the stool.
- Signs of bowel obstruction, such as severe abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty passing stool or gas.
Some gastrointestinal tumours cause few noticeable symptoms until they grow or affect nearby structures. These symptoms are not specific to neuroendocrine cancer, so a medical assessment is needed to identify the cause.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours develop in hormone-producing cells in the pancreas. Their symptoms depend partly on whether they release excess hormones.
Possible symptoms include:
- Abdominal or back pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Changes in blood sugar levels.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination in some cases.
- Repeated episodes of low blood sugar, which may cause sweating, shakiness, dizziness, or confusion.
Some pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours produce hormones that affect blood glucose levels. Others do not produce noticeable hormone-related symptoms.
Read more about the symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours from the National Cancer Institute.
Lung Neuroendocrine Tumours
Neuroendocrine tumours can also develop in the lungs. Symptoms may occur when a tumour affects the airways or surrounding tissues.
Possible signs include:
- A persistent or recurring cough.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest discomfort.
- Repeated respiratory infections.
- Coughing up blood.
These symptoms can also occur with other lung conditions. Arrange a medical assessment for a persistent cough or unexplained breathing problems, and seek prompt medical care if you cough up blood.
What Is Carcinoid Syndrome?
Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms that can occur when certain neuroendocrine tumours release hormones or other substances into the bloodstream. It does not occur in everyone with a neuroendocrine tumour.
Possible carcinoid syndrome symptoms include:
- Flushing: Sudden redness or warmth, often affecting the face and neck.
- Diarrhoea: Repeated loose or watery stools.
- Abdominal discomfort: Pain or cramping in the abdomen.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound while breathing.
- Heart changes: A rapid or irregular heartbeat.
These symptoms can have other causes, too. Recurrent flushing alongside diarrhoea, wheezing, or other unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent, unexplained, recurring, or worsening symptoms.
Arrange a medical appointment if you notice:
- Abdominal pain or diarrhoea that does not improve.
- Unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue.
- A persistent cough or repeated respiratory problems.
- Recurrent flushing accompanied by diarrhoea or wheezing.
- Repeated episodes of dizziness, sweating, or shakiness.
- Blood in your stool or unexplained changes in bowel habits.
These symptoms do not automatically mean you have cancer. A doctor can assess your medical history, examine your symptoms, and decide whether further investigation is necessary.
Seek urgent medical attention for severe breathing difficulties, fainting, confusion, significant bleeding, or severe abdominal pain with persistent vomiting.
How Is Neuroendocrine Cancer Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm neuroendocrine cancer. If a doctor suspects a neuroendocrine tumour, the recommended tests will depend on your symptoms and the suspected location of the tumour.
Investigations may include:
- Blood or urine tests: To check for certain hormones or other substances.
- Imaging tests: Scans that help identify a tumour and assess its location.
- Endoscopy: A procedure used to examine parts of the digestive tract when appropriate.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample examined in a laboratory to help determine the tumour type.
Not everyone needs all these tests. A specialist interprets the findings to establish the diagnosis and understand the tumour’s characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neuroendocrine cancer develop without symptoms?
Yes. Some neuroendocrine tumours cause no noticeable symptoms in the early stages and may be discovered during tests for another condition.
What is the most common symptom of neuroendocrine cancer?
There is no single symptom experienced by everyone. Symptoms depend on the tumour’s location, size, and whether it produces excess hormones.
Does flushing always indicate neuroendocrine cancer?
No. Flushing can occur for many reasons, including certain medications and other medical conditions. Recurrent flushing with diarrhoea or wheezing should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Are neuroendocrine tumours always cancerous?
No. Neuroendocrine neoplasms include different tumour types with varying behaviour. Their classification depends on factors such as the tumour’s type and laboratory findings.
When should I seek medical advice for suspected symptoms?
Speak to a healthcare professional if symptoms are persistent, unexplained, or getting worse. Do not rely on an online symptom list to diagnose yourself.
Conclusion
The signs and symptoms of neuroendocrine cancer vary according to where the tumour develops and whether it releases excess hormones. Some tumours cause digestive or respiratory problems, while others may produce symptoms such as flushing, diarrhoea, or changes in blood sugar.
Recognising persistent or unexplained symptoms can help you seek appropriate medical advice. For more health information, visit Signs and Symptoms and continue learning about conditions that may affect your health.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about any persistent or concerning symptoms.
