These cells form tumors that can release hormones that cause various symptoms.
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers.
They send signals from one cell to another through the bloodstream.
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These chemicals can have a variety of effects throughout the body.
Often, they regulate the body’s basic processes, including growth, development, and metabolism.
The neuroendocrine system includes nerves, glands, and other tissues that work together to produce hormones.
Neuroendocrine cancers are diverse tumors forming in many different parts of the body.
These cancers have varying causes, symptoms, and prognoses.
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Types of Neuroendocrine Cancer
Neuroendocrine tumors are often slow-growing.
They are neuroendocrine cancer if they grow quickly and spread from the original site.
This spread makes the tumor malignant, which means its cancer.
Many types of tumors and cancers develop in the neuroendocrine system, in many parts of the body.
Merkel cell tumorsare firm, pink, red, or purple lumps or bumps.
They dont usually hurt but can grow fast and sometimes turn into open sores.
Its risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoke.
But when citing health authorities or research, the terms for gender or sex from those sources are used.
Other medical conditions could increase a persons risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors.
Genetic conditions sometimes cause neuroendocrine cancers.
These tests will include taking a detailed personal and family medical history.
This will help them understand if the tumor is cancer and how to treat it.
A healthcare provider may use an endoscope to visualize orbiopsy carcinoid cancerin the upper intestinal tract and pancreas.
An endoscope is a flexible tube with a light, camera, and tools.
It is inserted through the throat.
They may test for related genetic conditions that may cause neuroendocrine tumors.
Treatment
Typically, neuroendocrine cancers are treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Symptoms of neuroendocrine cancers because of hormone imbalances may be treated with other drugs.
Some slow-growing neuroendocrine cancers may be curable.
Survival rates for neuroendocrine cancer vary by pop in of cancer and whether it has spread.
These are averages and cannot predict the course of an individual’s cancer journey.
Some neuroendocrine cancers are severe, mainly if theyve already spread when discovered.
Survival and prognosis statistics include:
Coping
A diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer can be very upsetting.
If youre experiencing sadness, anxiety, or anger, know this is normal.
Summary
Neuroendocrine cancers develop in cells that make hormones.
These cells grow out of control.
They can spread to other body parts.
These cancers make hormones, which can cause many symptoms.
Hormones control the bodys basic processes.
These include growth, development, and metabolism.
Neuroendocrine tumors develop in many parts of the bodymost commonly in the intestines, lungs, and pancreas.
Healthcare providers often cant find a cause for these cancers.
Some genetic diseases cause them.
Treatment for neuroendocrine cancers varies.
It can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
The outlook for a person with a neuroendocrine tumor changes.
Some neuroendocrine tumors are severe.
Ask your healthcare provider for more information on your specific cancer.
Seek out the company of others with your cancer for support.
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