Neuroendocrine Tumor

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a type of rare cancer that develops in the neuroendocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones and regulating the body's metabolism. These tumors can develop in various parts of the body, including the lungs, pancreas, intestines, and stomach.

What is a Neuroendocrine Tumor?

A neuroendocrine tumor is a type of tumor that develops in the neuroendocrine system, which is a network of cells throughout the body that produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate various functions of the body, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Neuroendocrine tumors can develop in any part of the body that contains neuroendocrine cells, but they are most commonly found in the pancreas, intestines, lungs, and stomach. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and their symptoms and treatment options depend on their location and stage.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of neuroendocrine tumors are not yet fully understood. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing these tumors. These risk factors include:

• Age: Neuroendocrine tumors are more common in people over the age of 50.

• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop neuroendocrine tumors.

• Family history: Having a family history of neuroendocrine tumors increases the risk of developing the condition.

• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors.

• Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, can increase the risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors.

Symptoms

The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors depend on the location and size of the tumor. In some cases, these tumors may not cause any symptoms until they have grown or spread to other parts of the body. Some common symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include:

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Flushing of the skin

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Wheezing or shortness of breath

• Rapid heartbeat

• Changes in bowel habits

• Jaundice

Complications

Neuroendocrine tumors can cause several complications, depending on their location and size. These complications may include:

• Intestinal obstruction: Neuroendocrine tumors in the intestine can cause a blockage, preventing food from passing through.

• Liver damage: Neuroendocrine tumors in the liver can cause liver damage, leading to liver failure.

• Hormone imbalances: Neuroendocrine tumors can produce hormones that can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, flushing, and wheezing.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there is no known way to prevent neuroendocrine tumors. However, early detection and treatment can improve outcomes and quality of life for people with these tumors. Treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors include:

• Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove the tumor if it is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body.

• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor.

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy may be used to block the signals that cause cancer cells to grow and divide.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may be used as complementary therapies for people with neuroendocrine tumors. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. Acupressure is a similar therapy that involves applying pressure to these same points using the fingers, hands, or other tools.

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture and acupressure in treating neuroendocrine tumors specifically, these therapies have been shown to be effective in managing pain and other symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. They may also help improve overall quality of life and reduce stress and anxiety.

It is important to note that Oriental medicine should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatments. Instead, it should be used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments recommended by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, neuroendocrine tumors are a rare type of cancer that can develop in various parts of the body. While the exact causes of these tumors are not fully understood, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing them. Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Early detection and treatment are important for improving outcomes and quality of life for people with these tumors. Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may be used as complementary therapies to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being, but should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatments.

References

• Chen, J., Li, L., Chen, C., et al. (2020). Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1-12. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of NETs, including a discussion of the potential mechanisms of action of these therapies.

• European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Guidelines for Neuroendocrine Tumours (2022). The ESMO guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, staging, and management of NETs, including recommendations for the use of targeted therapies and systemic therapy.

• Lee, J.W., Kim, H.G., Kim, J.H., et al. (2019). A Review of the Effects of Acupuncture and Acupressure on Brain Activity and Function. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(3), 151-157. This article provides an overview of the neurobiological effects of acupuncture and acupressure, including a discussion of the potential mechanisms of action of these therapies in the management of neurological disorders.

• Li, S., Xu, H., Yu, X., et al. (2020). Acupuncture for Pain Management in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 13, 117-127. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of pain in patients with NETs, including a discussion of the potential mechanisms of action of acupuncture.

• Liu, Y., Yang, Y., Wang, X., et al. (2020). Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 19, 1-10. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in the treatment of NETs, including acupuncture, massage, acupressure, yoga, and herbal medicine.

• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Neuroendocrine and Adrenal Tumors (2022). The NCCN guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, staging, and management of NETs, including recommendations for the use of surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy.

• Oh, B., Butow, P.N., Mullan, B.A., et al. (2017). Effectiveness of Relaxation and Imagery for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-12. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of relaxation and imagery techniques in the management of cancer-related symptoms, including pain and anxiety, in patients with various types of cancer, including NETs.

• Pavel, M., O'Toole, D., Costa, F., et al. (2016). ENETS Consensus Guidelines Update for the Management of Distant Metastatic Disease of Intestinal, Pancreatic, Bronchial Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) and NEN of Unknown Primary Site. Neuroendocrinology, 103(2), 172-185. This article provides an update to the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) guidelines for the management of metastatic NETs, including recommendations for the use of targeted therapies and chemotherapy.

• Soh, L.Y., Ng, S.Y., & Ong, S.Y. (2020). A Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions for Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(1), 3-14. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of yoga interventions in the management of cancer-related symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and anxiety, in patients with NETs.

• Strosberg, J.R. (2018). Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract. American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, 38, 90-97. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis, staging, and management of gastrointestinal NETs, including discussions of the use of somatostatin analogues and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.

• Wang, Y., Zhang, Q., Zhou, W., et al. (2021). Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1-11. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of advanced pancreatic NETs, including a discussion of the potential mechanisms of action of these therapies.

• Yao, J.C., Hassan, M., Phan, A., et al. (2008). One Hundred Years After “Carcinoid”: Epidemiology of and Prognostic Factors for Neuroendocrine Tumors in 35,825 Cases in the United States. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 26(18), 3063-3072. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology and prognostic factors associated with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the United States, including a discussion of the different subtypes of NETs and their clinical characteristics.

• Zhang, J., Chen, Y., Huang, H., et al. (2018). The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Management of Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors. Journal of Cancer, 9(4), 735-743. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the use of traditional Chinese medicine in the management of patients with NETs, including a discussion of the potential benefits and limitations of these therapies.

• Zhang, X., Li, J., Liu, Z., et al. (2017). Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-10. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of NETs, including acupuncture, massage, acupressure, and herbal medicine.