Neuroendocrine tumour treatment by GI surgeon in Kolkata

Diagnosing neuroendocrine tumours: Explains GI surgeon in Kolkata

Doctors mainly use specific test results to diagnose neuroendocrine tumours. In most cases, the GI surgeon in Kolkata recommends a biopsy to ensure that the particular body area has developed a tumour. If a biopsy is impossible, the doctor may suggest other tests to check if the tumour has spread to other body parts. For example, doctors may conduct metastasis to get inside pictures of the body to detect the tumour.

Neuroendocrine tumours treatments: Explains GI surgeon in Kolkata

Depending upon the condition of the tumour, the cancer doctor may recommend the best treatment required for the patient. Some of the neuroendocrine treatment options available are:

1. Surgery: It is one of the standard treatments and removes the entire tumour and some healthy tissues to prevent the spread of the tumour. Sometimes, removing the entire tumour is impossible; in that case, debulking surgery is recommended to remove as much of the tumour as possible. 
2. Chemotherapy: In chemotherapy, doctors use drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from growing. Chemotherapy is recommended for the patient when the tumour has started spreading and is in a severe condition. 
3. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses materials produced either by the body or made in laboratories to fight against the tumour. Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) is a type of immunotherapy doctors use to treat neuroendocrine tumours. It boosts the body’s immune system and shrinks the tumours. 
4. Targeted therapy: This procedure blocks the growth of the cancer cells to limit the damage caused to healthy tissues. Everolimus (Afinitor) is a targeted therapy which targets a protein called mTOR, that prevents the growth of the cancer cells but does not shrink them.
5. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy makes use of x-rays to remove the tumour cells. The most commonly used radiation therapy is external-beam radiation therapy, where radiation is given outside the body to reduce pain caused by the tumour. 

What if treatment fails? Explains GI surgeon in Kolkata

Often treatment does not work if the patient is in their advanced stage. Patients in their incurable stage are expected to live for six months. In that case, a Cancer doctor may recommend hospice care to such patients. Hospice care professionals provide the best quality of life to patients. They also help the patients to understand their required medical treatments. Hospice care facilities can be provided at home, special hospice care centers and other healthcare locations.

Conclusion Before starting the treatment, patients are advised to talk with their healthcare professionals. These discussions will help you understand the type of treatment suitable for you and make informed decisions accordingly.