What causesneuroendocrine tumours?

What causes neuroendocrine tumours isn't fully understood. However,your chance of developing an NET is increasedif you have one of the following rare conditions or syndromes:

  • multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) a rare inherited condition where tumours in the endocrine system develop, most commonly in the parathyroid glands, pituitary gland and the pancreas
  • neurofibrmatosis type 1 a group of genetic conditions that cause tumours to grow along your nerves
  • Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) an inherited condition that causes blood vessels to grow abnormally

Research has also shown that your risk of developing an NET is slightly increased if one of your parents has had one in the past.

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Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018