The plain truth is, experts don't know exactly what causes neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). But a bunch of things can make you more likely to get them. Doctors call these "risk factors." They might be certain diseases or other situations you don't have any control over, like how old you are.
Keep in mind, just because you have a higher risk for NETs doesn't mean you'll get a tumor. But talk to your doctor if you find yourself saying "yes" to some items on this checklist.
Your Family History
Some diseases caused by genes that are passed to you through your family can raise your chances of getting a tumor. If you have a parent with one of these diseases, you are slightly more likely to get some types of NETs:
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). It's a disease that causes tumors to form in the cells that make hormones -- chemicals that affect actions in your body like hair growth, sex drive, and mood.
The disease starts from a change to the MEN1 gene. You may hear your doctor call this a "genetic mutation."
If you have the condition, you may be more likely to get cancers of the parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, and pancreas, including pancreatic NETs. One out of every 10 people with MEN1 will get a carcinoid tumor.