Written By: Upneet Pansare | Updated : March 16, 2018 5:52 PM IST
Irrfan Khan has revealed in a tweet that he is suffering from neuroendocrine tumour. A neuroendocrine tumor is produced in the neuroendocrine cells of the body. These cells are responsible for producing hormones. The cells are a combination of endocrine cells and nerve cells. According to Mayo Clinic, neuroendocrine tumours usually occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas. A neuroendocrine tumour can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Irrfan Khan in his tweet clearly states that just because the condition has the word neuro in it, it may not always be about the brain.
This is Irrfan Khan's tweet
🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/IDThvTr6yF
Irrfan (@irrfank) March 16, 2018
We do not know much about Irrfan Khan's condition at this stage and it wouldn't be right to speculate. He mentions that he is out of the country for treatment and that he is surrounded by people he loves.
We asked oncologist Dr Samit Purohit, Sr consultant, Medical Oncology at Action Cancer Hospital about neuroendocrine tumour and this is what he said: "Neuroendocrine tumour can originate from anywhere in the body. It can arise from almost anywhere in the body. For treatment, we need to know where the tumour has originated from and if it is only localized. The best modality of treatment is surgery. Once it is operated upon, nothing else is required. But if the tumour spreads or moves ahead of its site of origin, then usually the option for surgery isn't there. Then we have to grade the tumour as per the severity and the aggressiveness of the neuroendorcine tumour. There are 3 grades: low grade (grade 1), intermediate grade (grade 2) or high grade (grade 3). For grade 1 and 2 tumours, patients are usually given injections and oral tablets that can control the tumour for a very long time. In grade 3, usually, chemotherapy is suggested."
On March 5, Irrfan Khan had tweeted that he was diagnosed with a rare disease and that this has taken him and his loved ones by shock. He had said that they were 'working it out the best way possible.'
This is the tweet where he had first mentioned about his condition and that had got his fans worried:
🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/JXD8NKwH3D Irrfan (@irrfank) March 5, 2018
Irrfan had also urged the fans not to speculate about his health conditions.
Dr Akshay Shah, Consultant Medical & Hemato-Oncologist and Stem Cell Physician, SL Raheja Hospital- A Fortis Associate says, "Neuroendocrine tumour or neuroendocrine carcinoma are rare diseases. Those with neuroendocrine tumours can live for years thanks to the advancements in treatment options. Neuroendocrine tumour is not life-threatening. Neuroendocrine carcinoma is more aggressive and the prognosis may not be very good."
More updates about Irrfan Khan's health are awaited. We pray that Irrfan Khan gets better soon!
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
