Ronny Allan’s Glossary of Terms (Basic Edition)

Ronny Allan’s Glossary of Terms (Basic Edition)

Trending on Ronny Allan

Trending on Ronny Allan

You guys lead busy lives but the aim of this article is to help you catch up. Below are the most read posts in the last 7 days.  Click on anything that takes your fancy.  Many thanks.  To read any article, just click on the title/picture below Latest from Instagram https://www.instagram.com/neuroendocrine.cancer.ronny/ Select of category of posts you'd like to see Disclaimer I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as…
Neuroendocrine Cancer:  Functional vs Non-functional

Neuroendocrine Cancer: Functional vs Non-functional

The terms functional and non-functional come up a lot in documents describing Neuroendocrine Cancer.  They also feature highly in patient groups.  But what do these terms actually mean? Functional / Non-FunctionalNeuroendocrine Tumours are treatable for most but the difficult part can be arriving at a diagnosis. Moreover, some Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) can be silently growing and as they grow slowly, the 'silence' can go on for some years. Even with a syndrome, the root cause can remain disguised as the symptoms are similar to many day-to-day illnesses.  There can be the odd exception but in general terms, NETs are either functional (with…
Ronny Allan – Every picture tells a story

Ronny Allan – Every picture tells a story

I always try to use graphics for a number of pictures, I admit mainly to catch people's attention but also because sometimes a picture on its own tells a story or at least provides a great introduction to one. If the picture catches your eye, clicking on will take you to the text.  This post will auto update as new blogs are published. thanks for reading and sharing! Scroll, point, click, read, share! Disclaimer I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s),…
A spotlight on Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

A spotlight on Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

What are Appendiceal NENsAppendiceal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) account for approximately 60% of all primary cancers in the appendix.  The other main cancer types found in the appendix are regular adenocarcinomas (including signet ring cell and goblet cell) and mucinous neoplasms such as Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) or Low-Grade Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMD).  Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (aNET) (i.e. well differentiated) account for 75% of all aNENs, are mostly indolent tumours treated effectively with simple appendectomy. In fact, most are incidentally found upon presentation of right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain in keeping with appendicitis. They are typically (but not exclusively) diagnosed in younger patients. Poorly differentiated…
A spotlight on Gastric Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

A spotlight on Gastric Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

What are Gastric NENs Unlike other anatomical types, the word Gastric is used to indicate a tumour (NET) or carcinoma (NEC) in the stomach.  The stomach lies at the bottom of your oesophagus and connects to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).  Clearly a key part of the gastrointestinal system, it processes food on its journey downwards. The stomach produces strong acid. This kills many microorganisms that might have been swallowed along with the food. It also contains special chemicals called enzymes. These are important for breaking down the food so it can be absorbed by the…
A Spotlight on Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

A Spotlight on Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

WHO Classification of Tumours, 5th Edition, Volume 5: Thoracic Tumours The aim of this spotlight is to provide a summary of the latest information on Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) including the latest terminology, epidemiology data, and guidelines.   This follows the publication of the Thoracic WHO classification 5th edition (2021): terminology and criteria for neuroendocrine neoplasms (Blue Book).  This book has been anticipated to see if the panel compiling this follows the lead of the Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GEPNEN) editions issued in 2017 (Endocrine) and 2019 (Digestive systems) by removing the antiquated misnomer term ''Carcinoid" in line with the recommendations made…
Neuroendocrine Tumours: a spotlight on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Neuroendocrine Tumours: a spotlight on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Updated 19th August 2025I spend a lot of time talking about the most common forms of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs), but what about the less well-known types?  As part of my commitment to all types of NETs, I'd like to shine a light on two less common tumour types known as Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas - with an incidence rate of approximately 8 per million per year. They are normally grouped together, and the definitions below will confirm why.  If you think it's difficult to diagnose a mainstream NET, this particular sub-type is a real challenge.So, let's get definitions out of the…