On March 5, Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan announced that he may have a rare disease. He asked the media not to speculate, saying he would reveal the diagnosis within 10 days.
And ten days later, on Friday, the Qarib Qarib Singlle actor revealed on social media that he has been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumour. He also stated that he will be travelling out of the country, possibly for treatment.
Irrfan Khan started his post with a quote from author Margaret Mitchell, which read, “Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect.”
He continued, “The unexpected makes us grow which is what the past few days have been about. Learning that I have been diagnosed with NeuroEndocrine Tumour 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. The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes. As for the rumours that were floated NEURO is not always about the brain and googling is the easiest way to do research ;-) To those who waited for my words, I hope to back with more stories to tell. (sic)”
The rumours Irrfan is referring to here are unconfirmed reports that surfaced in the media shortly after his March 5 announcement, speculating that he has brain tumour.
The neuroendocrine system is composed of nerve and gland cells, and is responsible for the production and release of hormones into the bloodstream. According to information on the Cancer Treatment Centres of America website, neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are abnormal growths that start in neuroendocrine cells which are distributed throughout the body.
There are various types of NETs, and the “type you have depends on the particular cells that are affected,” says Cancer Research UK. These tumours can be functioning tumours (those that produce extra hormones and reveal symptoms) or non-functioning ones.
NETs can also be either cancerous or benign. Usually, the latter grow slower and are “low or intermediate grade”. The opposite is generally true for cancerous NETs.
Irrfan has not provided more details in his statement as to which of his organ(s) are affected by the tumour and if it is cancerous in nature.