Signs and symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors (NET)
Recognizing neuroendocrine tumor symptoms: Know the early signs
Learn how to recognize neuroendocrine tumor symptoms, understand early warning signs of NET, explore a helpful infographic, and download a diary to help you track your signs and symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors (NET).
Could your symptoms be a sign of neuroendocrine cancer?
Recognizing neuroendocrine tumor (NET) symptoms early can be challenging, as NETs are rare and often misunderstood. Their symptoms can vary widely and often mimic those of more common conditions, which can make the patient journey to diagnosis confusing and frustrating. For many people, this path involves multiple appointments, tests, and second opinions, and symptoms can be misinterpreted, leading to delays or misdiagnoses.
Therefore, knowing what the early warning signs of NET are and how to recognize neuroendocrine tumor symptoms is a crucial first step in navigating life with this condition.
Whether you are still on the path towards a NET diagnosis or living with a neuroendocrine tumor, this page provides key information to help you identify symptoms that may be related to NET.
What you will learn about neuroendocrine tumor symptoms
How to recognize neuroendocrine tumor symptoms early
Functional and non-functional NET symptoms explained
Common symptoms of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and lung NETs
How NET symptoms differ from other conditions
Developed with the latest knowledge
This content was developed using the latest information, best practices, and real-life patient experiences to provide clear and reliable guidance.
Who this page is for
This page is for you if:
You have unexplained or rare symptoms
You want to know the early warning signs of NET
You have been recently diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor
Common symptoms and signs of neuroendocrine tumors
NETs are often small and can form in different parts of the body. Depending on their location, they may cause a wide range of symptoms – or, in some cases, none at all. NET symptoms can be vague, such as extreme tiredness, or they might mimic those of other disorders affecting the same area. For example, common symptoms of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors may include diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, or vomiting that resemble symptoms of common digestive disorders. Therefore, it is important to understand how NET symptoms differ from other conditions, especially for people still seeking a diagnosis.
Typical NET cancer symptoms include:
| NETs of the digestive tract (gastroenteric NETs) | NETs of the pancreas (pNETs) | NETs of the lungs (bronchial NETs) |
|---|---|---|
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Keep in mind: Every patient is unique and you may also experience neuroendocrine cancer signs and symptoms that are different from the ones listed above. If you are having symptoms that impact your quality of life, talk to your doctor for guidance and support.
Functional vs. non-functional NET symptoms
Some NETs release hormones that trigger specific symptoms; these are called “functional” NETs. For example, people with carcinoid syndrome symptoms often experience a combination of skin flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing due to hormone secretion by the tumor. In contrast, “non-functional” NETs do not produce excess hormones, but can still block crucial organs depending on their size or location.
Understanding these differences is an important step in managing neuroendocrine tumor symptoms and working with your doctor to get the right care and support.
Importance of tracking NET symptoms
Due to the variety of symptoms that NETs can produce, it is helpful to keep a symptom diary. This can help track your symptom patterns, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and provide valuable information for your healthcare team in monitoring your condition and making care decisions.
With ‘My NET Diary’ we aim to support you by providing a printable diary designed to help people living with NET track their symptoms, medications, nutrition, and other relevant health information.
When to see a doctor
This myNETjourney.com and guide should only be used as a reference and not a substitute for medical advice and evaluation. If you have experienced unexplained symptoms for an extended time and have not found answers, it may be time to talk to a doctor. Always remember: early detection can lead to better NET treatment options and improved outcomes.
Explore the infographic now
Take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors with our free, easy-to-understand infographic – designed to support you on your NET journey – and don’t forget to explore our other NET patient resources.
About myNETjourney.com
myNETjourney.com is dedicated to supporting people affected by neuroendocrine tumors. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or caring for a loved one, we provide resources developed in collaboration with renowned experts, personal stories, and practical tools to help you navigate life with NET.