Neuroendocrine tumor: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Neuroendocrine tumor | |||
| image = [[File:Small_intestine_neuroendocrine_tumour_high_mag.jpg|alt=Micrograph of a neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine]] | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| alt = Micrograph of a neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine | |||
| caption = Micrograph of a neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| synonyms = NET, carcinoid tumor | |||
| symptoms = [[Flushing]], [[diarrhea]], [[wheezing]], [[abdominal pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Carcinoid syndrome]], [[metastasis]] | |||
| onset = Variable | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Genetic mutations]], [[sporadic]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[multiple endocrine neoplasia]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Biopsy]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Adenocarcinoma]], [[gastrointestinal stromal tumor]] | |||
| prevention = None | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[targeted therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Somatostatin analogs]], [[everolimus]], [[sunitinib]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on stage and grade | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
| deaths = Varies | |||
}} | |||
A [[Neuroendocrine tumor]] (NET) is a neoplasm arising from the cells of the [[endocrine]] and nervous systems. These tumors often produce [[hormones]], and depending on the type of hormone produced, can lead to various syndromes. NETs can be benign or malignant and can occur anywhere in the body, but are commonly found in the pancreas, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. | A [[Neuroendocrine tumor]] (NET) is a neoplasm arising from the cells of the [[endocrine]] and nervous systems. These tumors often produce [[hormones]], and depending on the type of hormone produced, can lead to various syndromes. NETs can be benign or malignant and can occur anywhere in the body, but are commonly found in the pancreas, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. | ||
[[File:Histopathology of a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor on a stomach biopsy.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor on a stomach biopsy]] | [[File:Histopathology of a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor on a stomach biopsy.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor on a stomach biopsy]] | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
* NETs can be classified based on their site of origin, histological appearance, or behavior. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies NETs into: | * NETs can be classified based on their site of origin, histological appearance, or behavior. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies NETs into: | ||
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* '''Poorly-differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NECs)''': These are high-grade malignancies with an aggressive course. | * '''Poorly-differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NECs)''': These are high-grade malignancies with an aggressive course. | ||
* '''Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms (MiNEN)''': These tumors contain both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components. | * '''Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms (MiNEN)''': These tumors contain both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
*The symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumor vary based on the location of the tumor and whether it is a functioning tumor (producing hormones) or non-functioning. Common symptoms include: | *The symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumor vary based on the location of the tumor and whether it is a functioning tumor (producing hormones) or non-functioning. Common symptoms include: | ||
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* Abdominal pain | * Abdominal pain | ||
* Skin rash | * Skin rash | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
*Diagnosis of NETs involves a combination of imaging, laboratory tests, and pathological assessment: | *Diagnosis of NETs involves a combination of imaging, laboratory tests, and pathological assessment: | ||
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* '''[[Imaging studies]]''': Including CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging like [[Gallium 68]] PET scan to localize the tumor. | * '''[[Imaging studies]]''': Including CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging like [[Gallium 68]] PET scan to localize the tumor. | ||
* '''[[Biopsy]]''': A tissue sample is taken and assessed histologically to confirm the diagnosis. | * '''[[Biopsy]]''': A tissue sample is taken and assessed histologically to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
* Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors depends on the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the | * Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors depends on the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s health. Options include: | ||
* '''[[Surgery]]''': Used to remove the tumor. In some cases, such as early-stage pancreatic NETs, surgery can be curative. | * '''[[Surgery]]''': Used to remove the tumor. In some cases, such as early-stage pancreatic NETs, surgery can be curative. | ||
* '''[[Chemotherapy]]''' and '''[[Radiation therapy]]''': Often used for high-grade or metastatic tumors. | * '''[[Chemotherapy]]''' and '''[[Radiation therapy]]''': Often used for high-grade or metastatic tumors. | ||
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* '''Targeted therapy''': Such as [[Everolimus]] or [[Sunitinib]], used to target specific pathways in tumor cells. | * '''Targeted therapy''': Such as [[Everolimus]] or [[Sunitinib]], used to target specific pathways in tumor cells. | ||
* '''[[Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)]]''': This is a targeted treatment approach that delivers radioactive material directly to the tumor cells. | * '''[[Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)]]''': This is a targeted treatment approach that delivers radioactive material directly to the tumor cells. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis of NETs is variable and depends on factors such as tumor grade, stage, location, and the patient's general health. Well-differentiated tumors tend to have a better prognosis compared to poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. | The prognosis of NETs is variable and depends on factors such as tumor grade, stage, location, and the patient's general health. Well-differentiated tumors tend to have a better prognosis compared to poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Carcinoid]] | * [[Carcinoid]] | ||
* [[Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor]] | * [[Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor]] | ||
* [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia]] | * [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
* [[National Cancer Institute]]. (2023). Neuroendocrine Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/neuroendocrine | * [[National Cancer Institute]]. (2023). Neuroendocrine Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/neuroendocrine | ||
Latest revision as of 06:25, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Neuroendocrine tumor | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | NET, carcinoid tumor |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, abdominal pain |
| Complications | Carcinoid syndrome, metastasis |
| Onset | Variable |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic mutations, sporadic |
| Risks | Family history, multiple endocrine neoplasia |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy |
| Medication | Somatostatin analogs, everolimus, sunitinib |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on stage and grade |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | Varies |
A Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is a neoplasm arising from the cells of the endocrine and nervous systems. These tumors often produce hormones, and depending on the type of hormone produced, can lead to various syndromes. NETs can be benign or malignant and can occur anywhere in the body, but are commonly found in the pancreas, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.
Classification[edit]
- NETs can be classified based on their site of origin, histological appearance, or behavior. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies NETs into:
- Well-differentiated NETs: These are usually low-grade or intermediate-grade tumors that resemble normal cells.
- Poorly-differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NECs): These are high-grade malignancies with an aggressive course.
- Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms (MiNEN): These tumors contain both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
- The symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumor vary based on the location of the tumor and whether it is a functioning tumor (producing hormones) or non-functioning. Common symptoms include:
- Flushing
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash
Diagnosis[edit]
- Diagnosis of NETs involves a combination of imaging, laboratory tests, and pathological assessment:
- Blood tests: To assess hormone levels, such as chromogranin A, and to gauge general health.
- Urine tests: To check for elevated hormone metabolites, such as 5-HIAA.
- Imaging studies: Including CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging like Gallium 68 PET scan to localize the tumor.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken and assessed histologically to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
- Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors depends on the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s health. Options include:
- Surgery: Used to remove the tumor. In some cases, such as early-stage pancreatic NETs, surgery can be curative.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy: Often used for high-grade or metastatic tumors.
- Hormone therapy: Used to block excess hormone production in functioning tumors.
- Targeted therapy: Such as Everolimus or Sunitinib, used to target specific pathways in tumor cells.
- Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT): This is a targeted treatment approach that delivers radioactive material directly to the tumor cells.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis of NETs is variable and depends on factors such as tumor grade, stage, location, and the patient's general health. Well-differentiated tumors tend to have a better prognosis compared to poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). Neuroendocrine Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/neuroendocrine
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2023). Neuroendocrine Tumor: Types. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/neuroendocrine-tumor/types
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Neuroendocrine tumors - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neuroendocrine-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20354132
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. (2023). Diagnosing NETs. Retrieved from https://netrf.org/neuroendocrine-tumors/diagnosing-nets/
