Understanding GEP-NETs: What Are Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors?

What are neuroendocrine cells?

Neuroendocrine cells function as relay centers, meaning that they tell your body what to do in response to environmental stimuli. When neuroendocrine cells become abnormal and grow at an out-of-control rate, that’s when they become cancerous.

Rather than sending signals in response to stimuli, cancerous neuroendocrine cells will send random signals. 

What is carcinoid syndrome from a GEP-NET?

Sometimes this signaling causes symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, explains Perez. Carcinoid syndrome can include symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea

• Flushing

• Stomach pain

• Racing heart

• Low appetite

• Swelling

If you do experience any symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, make sure to tell your care team so that they can help treat it.

What should you know about GEP-NET treatment?

While it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed after a GEP-NET diagnosis, Perez says that there are many great treatment options available.

“We’ll always be looking for better options for you to help manage your disease and make sure that your quality of life is maintained and improved as much as possible,” she says.

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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