By Eugene Woltering, MD
Dr. Woltering discusses neuroendocrine tumors and their treatment at The Neuroendocrine Program at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner.
It is a rare hormone producing tumor that affects neuroendocrine cells and are present throughout the nervous and endocrine systems. Most of the time it is very slow growing and it is often difficult to diagnose. The patient may present with vague symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, palpitations, cardiac disease or wheezing. Because of the difficulty in diagnosing these tumors, diagnosis is delayed on average of 10 years. Neuroendocrine tumors can originate anywhere in the body. Carcinoid tumors, however, are the most common detected and are usually found in the lungs or GI tract. Neuroendocrine treatment is multi-disciplinary, with local and systemic forms of therapies available. With new agents on the horizon, it now becomes the challenge to shrink the disease, while continuing to improve the quality of life.
Dr. Woltering practices at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner. He can be reached at (504) 464-8500.