Learn about Irrfan Khan’s diagnosis and what it means

On Friday, Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan put an end to the rumors, announcing that doctors, and several tests confirmed that he has a neuroendocrine tumor, which, he clarified, does not automatically mean it involves the brain. These tumors can pop up anywhere on the body, as either benign or malignant.

Khan admitted he had to take a few days to process the news.

“Learning that I have been diagnosed with NeuroEndocrine Tumor as of now has admittedly been difficult, but the love and strength of those around me and that I found within me has brought me to a place of hope,” Khan posted on Twitter.

The actor, who has also starred in big-name Hollywood films such as “Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” told fans that he has been finding comfort in family and friends after discovering he had health issues.

“Little had I known that my search for rare stories would make me find a rare disease,” Khan wrote earlier this month, promising he would explain more within seven to 10 days. “I have never given up and have always fought for my choices and always will.”

Khan hasn’t elaborated on his treatment plan, though he did say he would be treated somewhere outside of the U.S. The 51-year-old also asked that people Google the diagnosis to learn more.

The National Cancer Institute describes the neuroendocrine tumor as an abnormal growth that “forms from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system.”

What is NET?
It is a rare tumour that develops from cells of the neuroendocrine system, according to Macmillan Cancer Support UK. The neuroendocrine system is made up of cells that are similar to nerve cells and make chemical messengers called hormones. Hormones control how different organs in the body work.

What causes NET?
Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon. The exact cause is not know.

Are there different types of NET?

Tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), according to Mayo Clinic. Often slow-growing and noncancerous, they can invade surrounding parts of the body and at times, turn cancerous and spread across the body. While some clinical and pathologic features of NETs are unique to the site of origin, other characteristics are shared, regardless of site of origin. NETs are also sometimes referred to as carcinoid tumors, Dr Aggarwal said.

Who does it commonly affect?
Can affect people of any age but these tumors are most likely to affect people over the age of 60. People who have a rare condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 have an increased risk of developing a NET. Apple founder Steve Jobs died from an NET on his pancreas in 2011.

What are the symptoms of NET?
It can cause a myriad of symptoms that will depend on where in the body the NET is.

A NET in your digestive system may cause pain or discomfort in the tummy area (abdomen) that comes and goes. You may feel sick (nauseated) or be sick (vomit), or there may be a change in your bowel habits (how often you pass stools).

A NET in the lung may cause chest infections and shortness of breath, or you may have a cough or cough up blood.

Loss of appetite and weight loss may also be symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumour.

Some NETs (more commonly NETs of the small bowel, large bowel or appendix) may overproduce a hormone-like substance called serotonin. This causes a collection of symptoms called carcinoid syndrome. Symptoms include: diarrhoea, flushing of the skin, wheezing (similar to asthma).

What does treatment look like? Can patients be cured?
Treatment depends on the type of tumor, location, whether it produces excess hormones, how aggressive it is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The results of your tests will help your doctor discuss the best type of treatment with you. Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the first treatment choice. If the NET can’t be removed, you will have treatment to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

How is it diagnosed?
You may have some of the following tests: Urine tests, blood tests, ultrasound scan, CT (computerised tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, radioactive scans (octreotide scan or MIBG-scan), PET/CT scan or/and biopsy.

Can one reduce the risk of contracting NET?
Presently, there is no way to prevent carcinoid tumors. People with carcinoid syndrome may be advised to avoid things that may trigger flushing, such as drinking alcohol or eating spicy food. You may be able to reduce diarrhoea by making changes to your diet. A specialist dietician can advise you about this.