Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Care in Portland and Vancouver

At Compass Oncology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types and stages of neuroendocrine tumors. With locations throughout the Portland and Vancouver regions, our oncologists combine expertise and experience with the latest cancer treatments to make sure each patient receives personalized care for this rare and complex cancer.

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Our team is dedicated to understanding each patient’s diagnosis and recommending the most appropriate treatment path. From the moment treatment begins, our oncologists collaborate with other specialists on our team to ensure you feel supported, informed, and confident during your care journey.

This patient-centered approach allows us to provide you with the latest treatment options, including radiation therapy, medical oncology, and access to leading clinical trials, so you can receive complete care under one roof.

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What are Neuroendocrine Tumors?

Neuroendocrine tumors, also called NETs, are a rare group of cancers that develop in specialized cells, called neuroendocrine cells. These cells produce hormones to help regulate important bodily functions.

NETs can develop anywhere in the body, but are most frequently found in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, lungs, appendix, and rectum. Many neuroendocrine tumors grow slowly, sometimes taking many years to develop.

Due to their complexity, neuroendocrine tumors are often challenging to diagnose. At Compass Oncology, our experienced specialists are here to answer questions and provide personalized treatment plans for those diagnosed with a NET.

A Team Approach to Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment

The neuroendocrine tumor (NET) specialists at Compass Oncology provide personalized care for patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors using the latest therapies and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Our cancer care team consists of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, oncology nurses, and other specialists who collaborate to develop a tailored treatment plan based on each patient’s unique diagnosis and needs.

We offer advanced treatments for NETs, including access to clinical trials and second opinions. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident in your care at every step of the process.

Meet Our Specialists
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Staging Neuroendocrine Tumor Types

If you were diagnosed with one or more neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), the next step is finding out the extent of the tumor through a process called staging. Knowing the extent, or stage, of a neuroendocrine tumor helps your oncologist recommend the best course of treatment for you.

About the Staging Process

Treatment Options for NETs

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, making treatment complex and diverse. Treatment options depend on different factors, including the type of tumor, its location, and whether you’re experiencing signs and symptoms related to excess hormones produced by the tumor.

About Neuroendocrine Tumors Treatment

Neuroendocrine Tumor Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of neuroendocrine tumors?

Neuroendocrine tumors are classified based on where they originated. They can be generally categorized as gastrointestinal (GI), pancreatic, or lung NETs. Each category can be further broken down into subsets, including:

  • Carcinoid tumors
  • Small cell carcinoma
  • Large cell carcinoid tumor
  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Paraganglioma
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Adrenal cancer
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (a neuroendocrine skin cancer)

The specific type of neuroendocrine tumor, along with other factors such as its location, hormone production, aggressiveness, and spread, will guide your oncologist in determining the most effective treatment plan.

What are the signs and symptoms of NETs?

Like many forms of cancer, NETs may not present clear symptoms early on. When symptoms do occur, they can vary significantly depending on the tumor’s location. Additionally, they are often mistaken for other conditions. Experiencing symptoms doesn’t mean neuroendocrine tumors have developed, but persistent issues should be brought to the attention of your physician.

Common symptoms for NETs can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Intense skin flushing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heartburn
  • Heart palpitations
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

How are NETs detected and diagnosed?

Detecting and diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors can be challenging due to their rarity. Often, these tumors are discovered unexpectedly during unrelated medical imaging procedures.

If a NET is suspected, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and review your medical and family history. A series of tests will then be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The selection of tests depends on various factors, including the tumor type, location, hormone activity, aggressiveness, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnostic tests we may use to diagnose NETs include:

  • Blood and/or urine tests
  • Molecular testing of the tumor
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Biopsy
  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • PET or PET-CT scan (Gallium 68)
  • Nuclear imaging (such as OctreoScan™)

Once testing is completed, we will discuss the findings with you. If a NET is diagnosed, these results will help us classify the tumor through a process known as staging.

Most neuroendocrine tumors tend to be low-grade, growing slowly. However, this can vary. The tumor’s grade and growth rate are important in determining the prognosis and developing the most effective treatment plan. With timely diagnosis and treatment, many patients with NETs can maintain a great quality of life for years.

What causes neuroendocrine tumors, and what are the risk factors?

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) are rare, and at Compass Oncology, we want you to be equipped with the knowledge to recognize symptoms and understand factors that might influence your risk.

While certain risk factors can contribute to the development of a tumor, they do not guarantee you will develop it. Some individuals with multiple risk factors never develop a tumor, while others who don’t have any may. We encourage you to learn about your specific risk factors and discuss them with your doctor so you can make more informed health decisions.

Currently, there is no known cause or any preventable risk factors for NETs. However, the following factors may increase one’s risk:

  • Race/ethnicity: NETs are generally more common in white people compared to black people.
  • Age: NETs can occur at any age, yet they are very rare in children.
  • Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop NETs, though the reason is unclear.
  • Inherited syndromes: Certain hereditary conditions are linked to specific NET types, such as Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), and tuberous sclerosis complex.
  • Other medical conditions: Certain diseases may elevate the risk of developing particular NETs.

The behavior of neuroendocrine cancer symptoms depends on the tumor’s location and characteristics, such as its size, the hormones it secretes, and whether the cancer has metastasized.

For example, NET symptoms that originate in the pancreas can vary greatly. Many nonfunctional NETs often cause no symptoms, while functional NETs can lead to loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Others might cause low blood sugar, anemia, fatigue, jaundice, weight loss, rapid heart rate, or weakness.

If you have any concerns or persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to get checked out by your doctor.

What are the types of neuroendocrine tumors?

What are the types of neuroendocrine tumors?

Neuroendocrine tumors are classified based on where they originated. They can be generally categorized as gastrointestinal (GI), pancreatic, or lung NETs. Each category can be further broken down into subsets, including:

  • Carcinoid tumors
  • Small cell carcinoma
  • Large cell carcinoid tumor
  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Paraganglioma
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Adrenal cancer
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (a neuroendocrine skin cancer)

The specific type of neuroendocrine tumor, along with other factors such as its location, hormone production, aggressiveness, and spread, will guide your oncologist in determining the most effective treatment plan.

What are the signs and symptoms of NETs?

What are the signs and symptoms of NETs?

Like many forms of cancer, NETs may not present clear symptoms early on. When symptoms do occur, they can vary significantly depending on the tumor’s location. Additionally, they are often mistaken for other conditions. Experiencing symptoms doesn’t mean neuroendocrine tumors have developed, but persistent issues should be brought to the attention of your physician.

Common symptoms for NETs can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Intense skin flushing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heartburn
  • Heart palpitations
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

How are NETs detected and diagnosed?

How are NETs detected and diagnosed?

Detecting and diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors can be challenging due to their rarity. Often, these tumors are discovered unexpectedly during unrelated medical imaging procedures.

If a NET is suspected, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and review your medical and family history. A series of tests will then be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The selection of tests depends on various factors, including the tumor type, location, hormone activity, aggressiveness, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnostic tests we may use to diagnose NETs include:

  • Blood and/or urine tests
  • Molecular testing of the tumor
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Biopsy
  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • PET or PET-CT scan (Gallium 68)
  • Nuclear imaging (such as OctreoScan™)

Once testing is completed, we will discuss the findings with you. If a NET is diagnosed, these results will help us classify the tumor through a process known as staging.

Most neuroendocrine tumors tend to be low-grade, growing slowly. However, this can vary. The tumor’s grade and growth rate are important in determining the prognosis and developing the most effective treatment plan. With timely diagnosis and treatment, many patients with NETs can maintain a great quality of life for years.

What causes neuroendocrine tumors, and what are the risk factors?

What causes neuroendocrine tumors, and what are the risk factors?

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) are rare, and at Compass Oncology, we want you to be equipped with the knowledge to recognize symptoms and understand factors that might influence your risk.

While certain risk factors can contribute to the development of a tumor, they do not guarantee you will develop it. Some individuals with multiple risk factors never develop a tumor, while others who don’t have any may. We encourage you to learn about your specific risk factors and discuss them with your doctor so you can make more informed health decisions.

Currently, there is no known cause or any preventable risk factors for NETs. However, the following factors may increase one’s risk:

  • Race/ethnicity: NETs are generally more common in white people compared to black people.
  • Age: NETs can occur at any age, yet they are very rare in children.
  • Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop NETs, though the reason is unclear.
  • Inherited syndromes: Certain hereditary conditions are linked to specific NET types, such as Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), and tuberous sclerosis complex.
  • Other medical conditions: Certain diseases may elevate the risk of developing particular NETs.

The behavior of neuroendocrine cancer symptoms depends on the tumor’s location and characteristics, such as its size, the hormones it secretes, and whether the cancer has metastasized.

For example, NET symptoms that originate in the pancreas can vary greatly. Many nonfunctional NETs often cause no symptoms, while functional NETs can lead to loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Others might cause low blood sugar, anemia, fatigue, jaundice, weight loss, rapid heart rate, or weakness.

If you have any concerns or persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to get checked out by your doctor.