endocrine gland cancer that has material basis in neuroendocrine cells From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms that starts from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems.
Neuroendocrine tumor | |
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Micrograph of a neuroendocrine tumor. H&E stain. | |
Medical specialty | Endocrine oncology |
Many are benign, while some are malignant. They most commonly occur in the intestine, where they are often called carcinoid tumors, but they are also found in the pancreas, lung and the rest of the body.[1][2]
The signs and symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumour depend on where in the body it is and what hormones it produces. For example, a tumour in the digestive system (gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumour) may cause:[3]
A tumour in the lung (pulmonary neuroendocrine tumour) may cause:[2]
Some tumours may lead to abnormally large amounts of hormones being released into the bloodstream. These are known as "functioning tumours" and can cause symptoms such as:[2]
Many tests can be used to diagnose neuroendocrine tumours, including blood tests, urine tests, scans and a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for closer examination).[2]
Types of scans used include:[3]
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