Neuroendocrine Tumor

Neuroendocrine Tumor

Summarize

Neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoids, are commonly found in the stomach and intestines but can also occur in other organs such as the pancreas, lungs, or liver. These tumors are typically small and grow slowly, and they are benign (not cancerous). However, some neuroendocrine tumors are malignant (cancerous) and can spread to other parts of the body. Some pediatric neuroendocrine tumors originate from the appendix, located at the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine, and are often discovered during appendectomy.

Epidemiological

 not have

Etiology & Risk Factors

 not have

Classification & Staging

 not have

Clinical Manifestations

Some neuroendocrine tumors release hormones and other substances. If the tumor is located in the liver, the excess hormone can accumulate in the body, leading to a series of symptoms known as carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome caused by somatostatin can present with the following signs and symptoms. If your child exhibits these issues, please consult a pediatrician:

Redness and warmth of the face and neck ​● increased heart rate

 expiratory dyspnea

Sudden drop in blood pressure (irritability, confusion, weakness, dizziness, pale and cold skin)

 diarrhoea

        In addition to neuroendocrine tumors, other conditions can cause the same symptoms.

Clinical Department

 not have

Examination & Diagnosis

The diagnosis and staging of neuroendocrine tumors include:

Physical examination and medical history

Blood biochemical tests

        For a description of these inspection methods, see the basic information section above.

Other tests to diagnose neuroendocrine tumors are as follows:

Complete blood cell count (CBC): Blood samples are drawn and the following items are examined:

O Number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets

O The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in red blood cells

O The ratio of red blood cells to the volume of blood

24-hour urine test: 24-hour urine is collected to detect the content of specific substances, such as hormones. Abnormal values (higher or lower than normal values) indicate lesions in the organs that secrete the substance. Detection of hormones secreted by carcinoid tumors in urine samples can assist in the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome.

Somatostatin receptor imaging (SRS): This method uses a radioactive isotope scan to detect tumors. A small amount of the hormone octreotide, which binds to tumors, is injected intravenously into the bloodstream. The radioactive octreotide attaches to the tumor and is then detected using a special camera that shows the tumor's location in the body. This technique is also known as an octreotide scan.

Clinical Management

For the treatment information below, see the treatment plan overview section above.

        Pediatric neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix can be treated by surgical removal of the appendix.

        Neuroendocrine tumors that have metastasized to the colon, pancreas, or stomach usually require surgical treatment. If the tumor cannot be surgically removed, or if there are multiple tumors, or if the tumor has metastasized, treatment may include the following:

50. Radioembolization therapy ​● somatostatin analogues (octreotide or lanreotide)
50. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
50. Targeted therapy: Sunitinib (Sunitinib) or everolimus (Everolimus)

Patients with recurrent pediatric neuroendocrine tumors may consider participating in clinical trials to test for changes in genes in tumor samples and to target the patients based on the type of gene change.

Prognosis

Neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix in children have a very good prognosis after surgical resection. Neuroendocrine tumors of other sites are usually large, metastatic at diagnosis, and insensitive to chemotherapy. The larger the tumor, the more likely it is to recur.

Follow-up & Review

 not have

Daily Care

 not have

Cutting-edge therapeutic and clinical Trials

 not have

References

 not have

Audit specialists

 not have