Getting Diagnosed
Diagnosing neuroendocrine cancer often takes time, as symptoms can mimic other conditions.
Specialist tests are usually needed and may include blood and urine tests, imaging scans (such as CT, MRI, or PET), and sometimes a biopsy.
Being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer can be stressful, but understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help.
This page outlines the steps involved in diagnosis and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care.
Symptoms
Neuroendocrine cancer symptoms can be vague, varied, or sometimes not present at all, which can make the disease difficult to recognise. Learn more about common symptoms and when to speak with your healthcare professional.
Acronyms & Terminology for Neuroendocrine Cancer Patients
Carcinoid Crisis
Carcinoid Crisis and Anaesthesia
Carcinoid Heart Disease
Carcinoid Syndrome
Cardiac Issues in NETs – Dr Daniel Cehic
Chronic Inflammation and Neuroendocrine Cancer
Emotional and Psychological Impact of NET Symptoms
Facebook Friday 07/05/2021 – Talking about NETs , allergies & carcinoid crisis, with Dr John Leyden
Diagnosis Process
Once neuroendocrine cancer is suspected, doctors gather detailed medical history, perform physical examinations, and review hormone levels. Imaging and biopsy results will then be assessed by a multidisciplinary team to confirm the diagnosis, determine tumour grade and stage, and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnosis
Abdominal Pain in NETs
Basic Testing sheet for GastroEnteroPancreatic (GEP) Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
Biopsy Procedures in Neuroendocrine Cancer Diagnosis
Blood Tests for Neuroendocrine Tumours
Breaking Down the Latest NET Data: What Research Grants Are Revealing About Early Detection
Challenges in Diagnosing Rare Neuroendocrine Tumours
Common Sites of Neuroendocrine Tumour Occurrence
Diagnosing Phaeochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (PPGLs)
Diagnostic Imaging Techniques for Neuroendocrine Tumours
Treatment Options
Treatment for neuroendocrine cancer varies depending on the type, location, grade and stage of the tumour. Learn more about the available treatment options and what to expect along your treatment pathway by clicking the link below, or browse these relevant resources.
Treatment & Wellness Care Plan
Treatment
Symptom Management and Treatment
Acronyms & Terminology for Neuroendocrine Cancer Patients
Anatomic Distribution of Neuroendocrine Tumours
AUS-NET – Neuroendocrine Tumours
Chemotherapy for Neuroendocrine Tumours
Chronic Inflammation and Neuroendocrine Cancer
Clinical Trials
Complementary Therapies
Scans & Tests
A range of specialised tests helps identify and monitor neuroendocrine cancer. These may include blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels, and imaging scans such as CT, MRI, or PET to locate and assess tumours. Together, they provide vital information to guide diagnosis and treatment.
5HIAA
Acronyms & Terminology for Neuroendocrine Cancer Patients
Basic Testing sheet for GastroEnteroPancreatic (GEP) Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
Blood Tests for Neuroendocrine Tumours
Common Sites of Neuroendocrine Tumour Occurrence
Diagnosing Phaeochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (PPGLs)
Diagnosis
Facebook Friday 6/11/2020 – Dr Grace Kong, Nuclear Medicine imaging and therapeutics
Grading of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumours
Lets Talk About Nuclear Medicine 27 April 2022
Prognosis
Every neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis is unique. Prognosis depends on factors like tumour type, grade, and stage, as well as the overall health of the person. Advances in treatment mean many people live well with neuroendocrine cancer for years.