Neuroendocrine Cancers
About Neuroendocrine
A neuroendocrine tumor forms from cells that release hormones in response to a signal from the nervous system. The tumors are usually metastatic disease from small primary tumors that may be difficult to identify and locate. Some examples of neuroendocrine tumors are carcinoid tumors, medullary thyroid carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, and neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (Merkel cell cancer). These tumors may secrete higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, which can cause many different symptoms.
For more information:
National Cancer Institute
Treatment Options
We offer a full array of treatment options for neuroendocrine cancer patients, including surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Our doctors are fellowship trained and have extensive knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment and cure of neuroendocrine cancers.
Surgery
Our surgeons are the most experienced in Oregon at treating neuroendocrine cancer. We see the most patients with neuroendocrine cancer including the most complex cases.
Surgery is an important part of diagnosing and treating almost all neuroendocrine cancers. We offer an individualized cancer care plan for each patient. Our specialists are experts in neuroendocrine surgery, including the latest minimally-invasive techniques. At OHSU our anesthesiologists are experienced with the special management of anesthesia for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.
Options for surgery include:
- Locate and resect primary tumors.
- Tumor resections
- Radiofrequency ablation of tumor metastases.
- Tumor debulking
- Tumor embolizations
- Somatostatin analog therapy
Medical Therapy
Our doctors are highly experienced in non-surgical treatments as well, including medications to help control the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors.
Our Team
We treat the most neuroendocrine cancers in the Northwest.
