Noticing symptoms
Cancers and other diseases can cause symptoms. These are changes in your body that you notice.
There are a number of different types of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Symptoms of NETs vary depending on where in the body the NET started and whether it makes excessive hormones (functional NET).
Some NETs can grow slowly and have few symptoms while others grow quickly and have noticeable symptoms.
You should let your doctor know about any symptoms you have. Cancers that are diagnosed early may be easier to treat.
What you need to know
Neuroendocrine tumour (NET) symptoms
Neuroendocrine tumours may not cause any symptoms when they first develop.
The symptoms people get from a NET are different depending on:
- the location and size of the NET
- whether it releases excessive amounts of a hormone – different hormones can cause different symptoms.
Symptoms of a NET may include:
- diarrhoea
- abdominal discomfort or pain
- bloating
- flushing of the face and neck
- weight loss
- tiredness
- persistent cough
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- back pain
- sweating
- rapid heart rate
- anxiety
- unexplained lumps.
People may have one or more of these symptoms.
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Next steps
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP. Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns.
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NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia1399 287 363
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20