Neuroendocrine cells are tiny, specialized cells that are found throughout the body and provide function for both the nervous and endocrine systems. Neuroendocrine cancer involves tumors that contain neuroendocrine cells. While neuroendocrine tumors can occur in various places, they most commonly form in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas or rectum. Dr. Dmitri Alden is a world-class liver, pancreatic and bile duct oncological surgeon who offers neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoids treatment at our medical center in NYC.

Most neuroendocrine tumors are very small and grow slowly in the beginning. Patients with neuroendocrine cancer will rarely have symptoms in the beginning stages. However, over time the tumor can grow extremely large and displace areas in the body. As the tumor matures, it can spread to other organs surrounding the original tumor.

Diagnosing Neuroendocrine Tumors

While detecting neuroendocrine cancer in the early stages is ideal, often these tumors are not identified until they become larger or cause carcinoid syndrome or other symptoms. There are tests that can be effective in diagnosing neuroendocrine cancer to facilitate beginning treatment. These can include:

• Complete blood count lab testing
• Physical exam and medical history
• Blood chemistry studies
• Urine testing

Dysfunction by the affected organs and cells caused by the neuroendocrine cancer can indicate the possibility of a tumor or carcinoid. If there are carcinoid syndrome symptoms such as flushing, skin lesions, difficulty breathing and diarrhea, it may be symptomatic of advanced neuroendocrine cancer.

Neuroendocrine Cancer Surgery

Unfortunately, neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoids are often not diagnosed until the later stages. Many physicians may dissuade patients from seeking surgery to remove the tumor due to risks of complications. Dr. Dmitri Alden is a highly skilled oncological surgeon that has had extensive experience and success treating patients with advanced neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoids. Some of the surgical options that may be recommended include:

• Resection – removing some or all of any organ with cancer, such as hepatic (liver) or bowel resection surgery.
• Cryosurgery – surgery used to freeze and remove abnormal cells from the cancer region.
• Appendectomy – removal of the appendix.
• Hepatic artery ligation or embolization – surgery to ligate or block the hepatic artery to cut off blood supply to the liver.
• Fulguration – surgery using an electrical current to burn away the cancer cells and cauterize the area.

For anyone with a possible diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer, it is vital to be informed about all possible treatment and surgery options. Dr. Dmitri Alden is one of the top neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoid specialists in the world, offering advanced options for treatment. Contact our medical center in UES New York City to learn more about scheduling an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Dmitri Alden.