The neuroendocrine tumor has a few types, and this disease can show up in different places in the human body. The symptoms and signs depend on where in the body the tumor is growing and what kind of tumor it is.
The first step to identifying your condition is finding out where the tumor is located in your body. NETs can grow in spots like the cells that generate hormones in your pancreas, lungs, intestines, and even your stomach.
There is no defined set of prominent signs. While symptoms can be identified by the person experiencing them, signs are something another person can notice, measure, or help identify. Signs and symptoms are important in describing the medical problem to a doctor.
Signs of Functional Neuroendocrine Tumors
Depending on the location of your functional neuroendocrine tumor, the signs and symptoms differ. Functional tumors are responsible for excess hormone production. This is because the tumor cells enter your bloodstream.
The common, prominent signs are:
- Skin rashes or flushing
- Shortness of breath or constant wheezing
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fluctuating blood pressure, fast heartbeat, or other heart issues
Various NETs present signs that are particular to where they are located in the body.
Lung NETs
These are the signs of functional lung NETs.
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
Gastrointestinal Tract NETs
These are the signs of gastrointestinal tract NETs.
- Bloating in the body
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Pancreatic NETs
The pancreatic NETs have the following signs. It also affects the production of various hormones.
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Low blood sugar because of high insulin levels in the bloodstream
- Acid reflux
- Stomach ulcers
Signs of Nonfunctional Neuroendocrine Tumors
Lung NETs
The signs and symptoms can feel similar to that of pneumonia.
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing or bloody cough
- Chest pain
Gastrointestinal Tract NETs
Following are the prominent symptoms and signs.
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in your stool
It can also lead to unexplained rashes on the body, weight loss, and feeling too fatigued.
NETs of the Appendix
- Abdominal pain is similar to appendicitis
Pancreatic NETs
The gastrointestinal issues caused by a nonfunctional pancreatic NET might have the following signs.
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal or back pain
Common Signs of Neuroendocrine Tumors
These are signs that are generally observed in most neuroendocrine tumors.
- The obvious pain from a growing tumor
- Feeling tired all the time
- Weight loss without doing anything
- A lump under your skin that you can feel and is growing too
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