Neuroendocrine tumors (NETS) can cause a range of challenges in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Treatments for these tumors can as well, even those that successfully remove them or slow or stop their growth.
At Penn Medicine, we always prioritize quality of life. Our team works with you to find effective solutions to relieve GI symptoms and side effects.
Controlling Tumor Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects
We work with top gastroenterologists from Penn Medicine to manage NET symptoms and treatment side effects, including:
Neuroendocrine Tumors and Diarrhea
Our can team can provide a range of medications to bring diarrhea under control. It’s fairly common to experience diarrhea when:
People may also experience diarrhea from a pancreatic NET or from certain GI NETs or lung NETs releasing the hormone serotonin. This release can lead to carcinoid syndrome, often marked by more intense diarrhea. We can prescribe a stronger antidiarrheal medication such as telotristat to help. This medication is usually combined with a somatostatin analog, a type of drug therapy.
Our team can also work to potentially adjust your doses for cancer treatment or try other medications.
Nausea and Vomiting With NETs
Other medications can help relieve nausea and vomiting, which are sometimes experienced with:
Weight Loss and Vitamin Deficiency With NETs
It’s not unusual to experience unintended weight loss with a cancerous NET. Cancerous cells may use more energy, and can release substances that interfere with normal calorie use. You might also lose your appetite from the effects of a tumor or from treatment.
Additionally, surgery to remove some of the GI tract can lead to challenges with nutrients and minerals. So can GI NETs and pancreatic NETs.
Registered dietitian nutritionists at the Abramson Cancer Center can help, including with drugs to boost appetite and weight gain. They can also help create personalized diets.
Learn more about nutritional counseling and services.
Gastrointestinal Procedures to Support NET Care
In addition to possible surgery for GI tumors, some people need a GI procedure as part of their care. Possible procedures include:
- Gallbladder removal: Somatostatin analogs, a type of drug therapy, are a common treatment for NETs. But they can also cause gallstones. We may recommend removing the gallbladder as a preventive step, especially if you have other surgery scheduled.
- Endoscopic surveillance: We may place an endoscope (thin tube with light and camera) into the GI tract to look for GI tumors during diagnosis. We may also turn to this procedure if you need monitoring at regular intervals to make sure tumors haven’t formed or returned.
Request an Appointment
To make an appointment, please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.