Introduction to neuroendocrine tumors

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Ngoc - General Internal Medicine - Endocrinology - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Neuroendocrine tumor is a rather strange name, many people have never heard of it. Neuroendocrine tumors are a relatively complex issue, and the following article will help have the most overview of neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) originates from specialized cells of the body's nervous system. These cells have characteristics of both hormone-secreting cells and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body and play a role in helping control many bodily functions by receiving signals from the nervous system and responding to those signals by production and release of hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that are transported through the bloodstream to achieve certain effects on the functioning of cells or organs in the body.
Neuroendocrine cells for some reason are changed and no longer grow and function as they should. These changes cause cells to multiply excessively, forming an abnormal mass known as a tumor (neuroendocrine tumor).
All neuroendocrine tumors are classified as malignant (cancerous). Most neuroendocrine tumors take years to grow, and grow quite slowly. Some types, however, progress very quickly. Some types of neuroendocrine tumors produce a lot of hormones (functional neuroendocrine tumors), others do not produce hormones or produce enough to cause symptoms (non-functional neuroendocrine tumors)
Every year at There are more than 12,000 people diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors in the United States. The number of people newly diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors is increasing by more than 5% each year, mainly due to advances in diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors (detecting previously undiagnosed cases). , including the development of imaging and endoscopic methods, and the growing awareness of neuroendocrine tumors.
Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and can appear anywhere in the body, mostly in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum, and pancreas
The prognosis for neuroendocrine tumors is highly dependent. There are many different factors, including the type of neuroendocrine tumour, the location of the tumor, whether the tumor is producing a lot of hormones, the extent to which the tumor has progressed and spread to other parts of the body, and the likelihood of the ability to remove the tumor by surgery, among other factors.

Until now, the cause of neuroendocrine tumors is unknown, but there are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Although risk factors have an impact on tumor growth, they are not likely to cause tumors. In addition, a person can have multiple risk factors at the same time but never develop a tumor, and conversely, someone without any risk factors still develops a tumor.
For neuroendocrine tumors, no preventable risk factors have been identified. The following risk factors may increase the likelihood of neuroendocrine tumors:
Genetic syndromes: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1): is a genetic condition MEN1, RET gene, or CDKN1B gene transmission, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 have been associated with certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, neuroendocrine tumors parathyroid gland, pituitary neuroendocrine tumor, pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor, gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). Von Hippel - Lindau syndrome: Von Hippel - Lindau syndrome is caused by a mutation of the VHL gene, people with Von Hippel - Lindau syndrome can develop tumors and cysts in different parts of the body. , including neuroendocrine tumors such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, adrenal medullary neuroendocrine tumors. Neurofibromatosis type 1: Neurofibromatosis type 1 is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene, which can be inherited or caused by random mutations, and people with Neurofibromatosis type 1 has a high risk of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and adrenal medullary neuroendocrine tumors. Tuberous sclerosis complex: People with tuberous sclerosis complex have a higher risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors. Family history of cancer: many studies have shown a family history of any type of cancer (especially those with direct blood relations such as parents, siblings, etc.) , offspring) are also associated with an increased risk of neuroendocrine tumors, but it is unclear whether this increased risk is due to genetic factors or to the similar lifestyles of family members. caused by family. Race: Neuroendocrine tumors are generally more common in whites than blacks, and race has been identified as a risk factor. Gender: Neuroendocrine tumors are slightly more common in women than in men, but it's not clear why.

Age: Neuroendocrine tumors can occur at any age, however, neuroendocrine tumors are rare in children. The common age for neuroendocrine tumors is 60 years and older. Other medical factors: Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, such as those that damage the stomach and cause a decrease in secretions. acid face a higher risk of developing gastric neuroendocrine tumors. Environment and diet: There is currently no known link between environment and diet and increased risk of neuroendocrine tumors. Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Ngoc has more than 10 years of studying, researching and working in the field of endocrinology. Doctor Ngoc graduated with a Master's degree in General Internal Medicine from Hanoi Medical University and studied as a Resident Doctor at Lyon University (France). Currently, Dr. Ngoc is a treating doctor at the Department of Examination and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Articles refer to sources: cancer.net and webmd.com
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