Irrfan diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour

MUMBAI: Actor Irrfan Khan on Friday revealed that he has been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour, a rare carcinoma that can target various parts of the body, and is out of the country for treatment.

The actor, 51, said it has been difficult dealing with the disease but people around him have given him hope and support to fight it.

He began his statement to the media with a quote from Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind”, “Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect.”

The unexpected, he added, makes us grow, which is what the past few days had been about.

“Learning that I have been diagnosed with a 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,” Irrfan said in a media statement.

“The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes,” he added.

The “Piku” actor also addressed the rumours surrounding his illness, saying neuro is not always about the brain and thanked those who had not speculated about his health.

“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 be back with more stories to tell,” he said.

Neuroendocrine tumours are described as neuroendocrine carcinomas. They can start in many places in the body, including the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr Sunil Kumar, assistant professor, surgery (Oncology) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, described a neuroendocrine tumour as a “special or rare” form of cancer.

Irrfan first spoke of his health on March 5, when he revealed that he was suffering from a rare disease but was yet to get a conclusive diagnosis.

“Sometimes you wake up with a jolt with life shaking you up. The last fifteen days, my life has been a suspense story,” he had said.