Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment in Delhi | Dr. Asit Arora

Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment in Delhi

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of rare but increasingly recognized cancers that can occur in various organs of the body. Despite their complexity, timely diagnosis and expert medical care can make a significant difference in a patient’s life. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor and is searching for advanced, compassionate, and reliable treatment options in Delhi, this page will guide you through everything you need to know.

Dr. Asit Arora, one of Delhi’s leading surgical oncologists, specializes in neuroendocrine tumor treatment in Delhi using a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach.

What Are Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)?

Neuroendocrine tumors originate from neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells that receive signals from the nervous system and release hormones into the blood. These cells are present throughout the body but are most commonly found in the digestive system (such as the stomach, pancreas, and intestines), lungs, and thyroid.

Unlike typical cancers, NETs can grow slowly and may not show symptoms for years. Others may be aggressive and spread quickly. This wide range of behavior makes proper diagnosis and treatment critical.

Types of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors are classified based on their location and how aggressively they grow:

  • Gastrointestinal NETs – Found in the stomach, small intestine, appendix, colon, and rectum.
  • Pancreatic NETs (pNETs) – Originate in the pancreas and may produce hormones like insulin or gastrin.
  • Pulmonary NETs – Found in the lungs, including typical and atypical carcinoid tumors.
  • Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma – A neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid gland.
  • Other Rare NETs – Such as those in the adrenal gland (pheochromocytomas) or paragangliomas.

Some NETs are functional, meaning they produce excess hormones, while others are non-functional, with no hormonal activity.

How Common Are Neuroendocrine Tumors?

While NETs are still considered rare, their incidence is increasing. According to global estimates:

  • Approximately 2.5-5 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with a NET annually.
  • In India, there has been a rise in detection rates due to better awareness and improved diagnostic imaging.
  • Studies show the five-year survival rate for localized NETs can exceed 80%, especially when detected early and managed by experienced specialists.

Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location, size, and whether it produces hormones. Common signs include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Flushing or redness of the face and neck
  • Wheezing or chronic cough
  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
  • Low blood sugar levels (in insulin-producing tumors)
  • Fatigue and general weakness

These symptoms can mimic other common conditions, making early diagnosis challenging. Patients often undergo several tests before the correct diagnosis is made.

Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors in Delhi

Dr. Asit Arora emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis to plan effective neuroendocrine tumor treatment in Delhi. A combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and biochemical tests is used:

Blood and Urine Tests

These tests check for substances released by NET cells:

  • Chromogranin A, 5-HIAA, fasting blood glucose, and other tumor markers

Advanced Imaging

Imagining lets us see where the tumor is and whether it has spread:

  • Contrast‑enhanced CT or MRI of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
  • Gallium‑68 DOTATATE PET-CT for precise tumour localization and staging

Endoscopy or Bronchoscopy

If the tumor is suspected in the digestive tract or lungs, we use a tiny camera on a flexible tube to look directly at the lining and take a small tissue sample (biopsy) without large incisions.

Histopathological Examination

Finally, a specialized pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope:

  • Grading (G1–G3) based on cell appearance and proliferation rate (Ki-67 index)

This multi‑pronged approach ensures an accurate diagnosis, evaluates spread (metastasis), and stratifies risk, which are all fundamental to planning neuroendocrine tumor treatment in Delhi.

Treatment Options for Neuroendocrine Tumors in Delhi

Treatment for NETs is personalized, based on the tumor type, location, grade, stage, and hormone activity. Dr. Asit Arora adopts a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, and nuclear medicine experts to provide the best outcomes.

Surgery – The Primary Treatment

Surgery is often the first line of treatment, especially when the tumor is localized and operable. Dr. Arora has extensive experience in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) and robotic surgeries, which reduce hospital stay and recovery time.

Surgical options include:

  • Tumor resection (removal of the primary tumor)
  • Liver metastasectomy (removal of liver spread)
  • Whipple procedure (for pancreatic head tumors)
  • Bowel resection (for intestinal NETs)

Medical Therapy

In cases where surgery is not possible or the disease has spread, medical treatments play a central role:

  • Somatostatin Analogues (SSAs): These drugs control hormone-related symptoms and slow tumor growth.
  • Targeted Therapy: Oral drugs are used particularly for pancreatic NETs.
  • Chemotherapy: Used for high-grade or aggressive NETs. Regimens vary based on the tumor’s biology.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)

A cutting-edge nuclear medicine treatment where a radioactive substance is attached to a somatostatin analog, targeting cancer cells with precision. PRRT has shown significant effectiveness in controlling advanced NETs and improving quality of life.

Liver-Directed Therapies

For NETs that have spread to the liver:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  • Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
  • Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT)

These treatments target liver tumors without affecting healthy tissues.

Why Choose Dr. Asit Arora for NET Treatment in Delhi?

Dr. Asit Arora stands out as a leading expert in neuroendocrine tumor treatment in Delhi, offering a unique blend of advanced surgical skills, multidisciplinary collaboration, and access to cutting-edge therapies—all delivered with a deeply patient-focused approach.

  • Specialized Expertise: Extensive experience in treating neuroendocrine tumors surgically and medically.
  • Advanced Surgical Techniques: Proficiency in minimally invasive and robotic procedures, leading to quicker recovery.
  • Collaborative Care: Works with a full team of specialists to ensure holistic care.
  • Patient-Centric Approach: Emphasis on informed decision-making, transparency, and compassion.
  • Access to PRRT and Molecular Imaging: Availability of state-of-the-art treatments and diagnostics under one roof.
  • Affordable and Transparent Treatment: Offers competitive and clear neuroendocrine tumor treatment costs in Delhi, ensuring quality care is accessible without hidden charges.

Life After Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment

Recovery and long-term management depend on the type and stage of the tumor. Many patients lead full, active lives after treatment. Regular follow-ups are essential and may include:

  • Periodic imaging scans
  • Monitoring hormone levels
  • Assessment for late side effects of treatment

Dr. Arora and his team provide comprehensive survivorship care, including dietary guidance, psychological support, and lifestyle advice.

Final Words

Neuroendocrine tumors are complex but manageable cancers. With the right combination of expertise, diagnostics, and treatment, patients can expect good outcomes and quality of life. Today, neuroendocrine tumor treatment in Delhi is on par with global standards, making the city a hub for advanced care. Let Dr. Asit Arora and his team be your trusted partners in this journey.