Watchful waiting
Not all neuroendocrine tumours (NET) need to be treated immediately. For some people it may be possible to monitor their NET and commence treatment later.
This is known as watchful waiting or active surveillance.
Watchful waiting for neuroendocrine tumours
Some NETs can grow very slowly. When this happens the treatment team may suggest watchful waiting. This involves not starting treatment straight away and monitoring the NET for signs that it is growing or causing symptoms.
During the time of watchful waiting your doctor will review you regularly and order tests which may include blood tests, urine tests or scans.
If the NET starts to grow or cause symptoms, your doctor will talk to you about starting treatment and suggest which treatment is best for you.
Other resources we recommend
Use the following links to find out more about this topic.
Treatment
https://neuroendocrine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/N5058-NECA_Treatment_Download-v2.pdf
Treatment for neuroendocrine tumours
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/neuroendocrine-tumours-nets
Neuroendocrine tumours: Types of treatment
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/neuroendocrine-tumours/treatment
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