What are the Neuroendocrine tumour of The Lung?
Neuroendocrine tumour of The Lung (Lung NETs) are a rare and unusual form of lung cancer that originates in neuroendocrine cells—specialised lung cells that help regulate key body functions by releasing hormones. These tumours can vary significantly in behaviour. Some grow slowly and are considered less harmful, while others are aggressive and cancerous.
Disease Causes
The exact cause of Lung NETs remains unclear. However, researchers have identified several possible risk factors:
- Smoking – particularly linked to more aggressive forms
- Family history – rare genetic links to similar tumours
- Unidentified cellular changes – involving mutations that affect how cells grow or behave
Types of Lung NETs
Lung NETs are classified based on how quickly they grow and how their cells look under a microscope.
Slower-Growing (Well-Differentiated):
- Typical Carcinoid (TC)
- Atypical Carcinoid (AC)
- These types tend to grow gradually and are often treatable through surgery.
Faster-Growing (Poorly Differentiated):
- Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (LCNEC)
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
- These forms are more aggressive, spreading rapidly and requiring intensive treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Many individuals show no early signs. When symptoms do arise, they may include:
- Persistent coughing
- Blood in the sputum
- Constant fatigue
- Pain in the chest or shoulder area
- Trouble breathing
- Recurrent lung infections
- In rare cases, hormonal symptoms like facial flushing, diarrhea, or unexplained weight gain
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:
- Imaging tests – such as CT or PET scans to detect abnormalities in the lungs
- Biopsy – collecting a sample of tissue for microscopic examination
- Lab tests – including blood or urine analysis to detect unusual hormone levels
Treatment
Treatment varies based on tumour type, size, and how far the disease has progressed. Options include:
- Surgical removal: preferred for slow-growing tumours and often curative
- Radiation therapy: targets and destroys cancer cells with high-energy rays
- Chemotherapy: especially for aggressive types, using drugs to halt cancer spread
- Targeted therapy: includes medications like somatostatin analogs to control growth and hormone-related symptoms
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