How To Treat Neuroendocrine Tumors

Hormone Therapy

Neuroendocrine tumors may be able to be treated with the use of hormone therapy. Hormone therapy is a type of treatment for cancer that takes advantage of the endocrine properties many neuroendocrine tumors have. Neuroendocrine tumors are known to release excess and or dysfunctional hormones into the patient's bloodstream that can wreak havoc on their body. Medications called somatostatin analogs are concomitant to the hormone in the body called somatostatin. This type of hormone therapy inhibits the release of excess hormones into the patient's bloodstream. Hormone therapy is similar to targeted therapy in the aspect of not having the ability to physically reduce the size of an individual's neuroendocrine tumor. This type of therapy is more effective at slowing the growth of neuroendocrine tumors and helping manage the adverse symptoms that occur with this type of malignancy.

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Gastroenterology

The use of gastroenterology can be helpful in the treatment process in individuals affected by neuroendocrine tumors. Over two-thirds of all neuroendocrine tumors occur in an individual's gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists are a type of specialized physician that help treat issues that arise in the digestive tract. Almost forty percent of neuroendocrine tumors start in the small intestine, while fifteen percent originate in the tissues of the rectum. Seven percent of neuroendocrine tumors start in the appendix, while between five and seven percent occur in the colon. Between two and four percent of neuroendocrine tumors originate in the stomach. Tumors in these organs can damage their structure and functionality. Neuroendocrine tumors in the stomach can cause the development of ulcers and subsequent pain, and a gastroenterologist can prescribe medication to help prevent and treat this. Tumors in the intestines can result in vomiting, bleeding, diarrhea, and dehydration. These complications can also be managed through gastroenterology.

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