Cough ! What could it be?!

I'm new to this group, I have a very small net on the tail of my pancreas. I'm receiving no treatment for it at all. My concern is that it seems something can be done while it's small instead of waiting for my health to get worse. Any thoughts?

I think you need medical advice about this pulmonary issue--it could be one of so many different things, many of which should be treatable. Your current doctors might be starting points. But basically whatever it is should be addressed, even if it isn't cancer.

Hello @queensmom,

There are many reasons for a chronic, dry cough. Some medicines (like ACE inhibitors that are used for blood pressure control) can cause this type of cough. As @mir123 said, it is important to see a doctor and look for answers to be sure that it is nothing serious. Have you seen your PCP about this cough? If not, I would encourage you to contact your doctor's office and mention this to them and see if you can get an appointment.

Are you taking any over-the-counter products for the cough? Is anything helping?

@meleelee1, it sounds like you might consider getting a second opinion with a NETs specialist. Sometimes very small, low grade, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, waiting may be an option. Dr. Halfdanarson explains in the video in this article:
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors care at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumors/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20352492

Do you have symptoms? Have you thought of getting a second opinion?

Hello @meleelee1 and welcome to the NETs discussion on Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad that you found this forum. It is important to have support and encouragement when you are dealing with any type of cancer, and especially a rare cancer like NETs.

We have several members who have NETs on the pancreas. Can you share more about this diagnosis? For example, was this discovered because you were having symptoms, how long ago was this found, are you scheduled for follow-up scans to determine if there are any changes?

I did the watch and wait for a small (1cm) PNET on the head of my pancreas that was diagnosed in 2012 after years of symptoms. In 2019 I had a modified Whipple surgery, liver resection and liver ablation. My primary NET didn't grow any larger over the 7 years. Ask a lot of questions, get a second opinion from a NET specialist, so that you feel comfortable with your decision. My quality of life improved after my surgery because mine was functioning so in the end I wish I had surgery alot earlier. In 2012 I should have done more research/reading on my own and should have asked a lot more questions. Wishing you well on your journey.

Thank you for your honest answer. I am not a wait kind of person. My net is only 6mm, but it's active. I don't have anyone including a dr.s. I am really tired of hearing "it is so small". My symptoms aren't small!

I found my NET by the grace of God. I was having what I thought was appendicitis. Had a ct scan because my white blood cells were high. The scan showed my NET. I was hurting so bad and I don't have a uterous or ovaries. I now am nauseous, dizzy, and faint. My surgeon at the windship in Atlanta wants me to wait. I want a second opinion by a specialist at Mayo. My sides right at the base of my ribs feel like someone has vise grips. I have to wait for my change of insurance on March 1st to just find out if I can go to Mayo. I have noone to talk to here.

Hello @meleelee1

I am sorry to hear of the pain you are experiencing. I can understand your wanting to get a second opinion. If, for any reason, you are not able to see a doctor at Mayo, here is a list of NET specialists throughout the United States. Perhaps you can find one that accepts your insurance.
--Find a Doctor
https://www.carcinoid.org/for-patients/treatment/find-a-doctor/
Have you discussed the pain and nausea with your doctor?

It started with what I thought was appendicitis. I thought I was going to have to have my appendicts removed. They did a ct scan with contrast. Found the small mass. I changed Primary Dr.s but no one knows about NETS and I have no one in my area to talk to.