GEP-NETs

Possible complications

Complications of GEP-NETs

One of the things that NETs produce is a hormone called serotonin. If the tumour has spread to the liver and there is too much serotonin being produced, it can cause carcinoid syndrome.1

About 1 in 10 people with GEP-NETs develop carcinoid syndrome.2

The main symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are: 2,3

  • Hot, red flushing of the skin
  • Diarrhoea

Other symptoms of carcinoid syndrome include:2,3

  • Abdominal pain
  • Palpitations (feeling your heartbeat, like a flutter, thumping or pounding)
  • Hypotension (drop in blood pressure, making you feel dizzy, sick, weak or confused)4
  • Wheezing
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Muscle and/or joint aches

If you get any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor.

REFERENCES:

  1. NHS. Carcinoid syndrome. Available at:
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carcinoid-syndrome Last accessed September 2020.
  2. NORD. Carcinoid syndrome. Available at:
    https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/carcinoid-syndrome/ Last accessed October 2020.
  3. Patient.info. Carcinoid tumours. Available at:
    https://patient.info/doctor/carcinoid-tumours#nav-5 Last accessed September 2020.
  4. NHS. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Available at:
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension Last accessed October 2020.