It was the fiancée of actor Paul Teal who announced it to the media TMZ on November 18: seven months after being diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, the actor died.
What is a “pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor”?
The pancreas is a gland located near the stomach. It plays an essential role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas develop in endocrine cells.
These produce pancreatic hormones that manage digestion and blood sugar levels. Although rare – it is estimated that 5 people in 1 million are affected – these tumors deserve to be known because they can be managed effectively.
Unspecific symptoms
In 10 to 20% of cases, the disease is called “functional”: it produces excess hormones (such as insulin). Tremors, sweating, palpitations, confusion can then be suggestive.
But in 80% of cases, it is “non-functional” (without excess hormones). The diagnosis is then delayed because most tumors are small and slow growing.
Another obstacle to the detection of the disease lies in the fact that the symptoms can be confused with those of other pathologies: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, etc.
As for the diagnosis, it is based on different examinations: blood tests, abdominal computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, MRI, endoscopy, etc. But often, the only way to confirm the diagnosis is to perform a biopsy.
Once the disease is identified, doctors evaluate its evolution for better care:
- Stage I : the tumor measures less than 2 centimeters in diameter and has not spread;
- Stage II : it measures more than 4 centimeters in diameter and/or has spread to the duodenum or bile ducts.
- Stade III : the tumor has spread to lymph nodes or neighboring organs;
- Stage IV : it is found in more distant organs and tissues, such as the liver or bones.
What treatments are available?
Surgery is the most common treatment. Specific interventions vary depending on the location of the tumor in the pancreas. Other therapeutic options exist:
- Chemotherapy;
- Hormone therapy;
- Transplantation in certain cases (of the liver for example if the disease has spread, etc.);
- Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to block growth factors to prevent the growth of cancer cells.
What are the chances of survival?
The prognosis varies depending on the type of tumor and its stage at the time of diagnosis. “ Due to their relatively slow tumor growth, neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are nevertheless associated with prolonged survival rates (more than 50% at 5 years). », notes the National Academy of Medicine.
Rates which rise to more than 90% in cases where the tumor has not spread but drop to 20% when it has spread to the liver or lungs.
Figures which remind us of the importance of early diagnosis. If you experience unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Source: National Academy of Medicine – Cleveland Clinic – https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumor/about/what-is-pnet.html – https://www.mayoclinic.org /diseases-conditions/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20352489
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