Neuroendocrine tumour: These are typical growths that appear from the neuroendocrine cell, the cell which acts like both hormone-producing glands and nerve cells. This is because the NETs can happen in a lot of organs and may or may not produce hormones; they mostly present diagnostic problems and need personalised, comprehensive neurooncology care. Early recognition, precise diagnosis, and skilled neurosurgical or neurointerventional treatment can make a remarkable change in the result.

Jhawar Neuro, which is led by Dr. Sukhdeep Singh Jhawa, combined neurosurgery, endocrinology, oncology and neurointervention with sophisticated imaging to handle the complications of neurological and neuro‑oncologic issues, including NETs causing brain, spine, pituitary, or changing structures.

Let’s go deep into explaining what NETs are, how they are brought up, how they are diagnosed, and how a personalised neurocare centre, such as the Jhawar Neuro, responds to their management.

Understanding Neuroendocrine Tumours(NETs)

NETs emerge from neuroendocrine cells that produce the hormones into the bloodstream, which function (producing excess hormone) or non-functioning (quite with no hormone excess). NETs can be harmless or malignant, and many grow slowly over time. They can start from different organs, such as the pancreas, lungs, or even the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes even the kidneys and liver. This is so because NETs are heterogeneous in behaviour and location, and care from a neurooncology or neurosurgery center is frequently justified.

Types of neuroendocrine tumours

• Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP NETs) are a group of tumours that are found in the gastrointestinal tract or pancreas.
• Gastrointestinal NETs (GI NETs) arise within the digestive system, including areas such as the bowel, stomach, or oesophagus. Pancreatic NETs (pNETs) specifically form in the pancreas.
• Pulmonary NETS: This rises in the lungs. In unusual situations, the neuroendocrine tumours can also rinse into the other parts of the body, such as the liver, bile ducts, kidney, and the ovaries. 
• Some NETs are classified as functioning tumours, meaning they release hormones that lead to distinct symptoms. Others, known as non-functioning tumours, do not produce hormones and often remain symptomless for a long time.

Local & Mass Effect Symptoms

• In the digestive tract: Abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation), bloating, bleeding, obstruction.
• In the lungs: Persistent cough, wheezing, breathlessness, chest infections, or coughing up blood.
• In the pancreas or abdominal organs: Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, or a mass effect causing pain or discomfort.

Causes & Risk Factors

• The exact cause of NETs is not well understood.
• Some rare inherited syndromes increase damage, including various Endocrine Neoplasia type 1, neurofibromatosis type 1, or Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome.
• A small proportion of NETs are linked with family history or genetic predisposition.
• However, most arise sporadically, without clear risk factors.

How Are NETs Detected?

Because NETs often develop slowly and symptoms are nonspecific, diagnosis can require several modalities:

1. Blood tests (e.g., chromogranin A, hormone levels)
2. Urine tests (e.g., 5‑HIAA, to look for serotonin breakdown products)
3. Imaging scans: specialised radionuclide scans
4. Endoscopy / Ultrasound / Endoscopic ultrasound for tumours in the digestive tract
5. Specialised scans (e.g., octreotide scans or DOTATATE PET) to detect hormone activity and tumor spread.

Conclusion

Neuroendocrine tumours create different problems because of their variable behaviour, hormone activity, and localisation. But with the right team and equipment and the experience, a lot of sick people can get meaningful or remission.

At Jhawar Neuro, Dr. Sukhdeep Singh Jhawar, and his team are committed to offering advanced, patient‑centered neurosurgical and neurointerventional care for NETs involving the brain, skull base, or related neuroanatomical structures. Whether you suspect a NET, have been recently diagnosed, or are seeking a second opinion, our center provides detailed evaluation, state‑of‑the‑art therapy, and continuous follow-up.