19Jul 2022 by Ronny Allan 3 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer: diagnostic dilemmas in July 2010

Neuroendocrine Cancer: diagnostic dilemmas in July 2010

Awareness
Every July, I think back to my diagnosis of advanced Neuroendocrine Cancer in 2010.   I guess one of the reasons I do this is to be thankful that I'm still alive but also, I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm still trying to remember small detail from that period.  It had felt surreal ever since 8th July when the secondary care investigating doctor sent me for a CT scan leading to a biopsy on 19th July. That scan and subsequent biopsy were to uncover some shocking detail of what had been going on inside my body, with no grand announcement, just something chipping away over the years.  My diagnostic triggers were incidental in many ways and a reaction to me telling a GP Nurse that I thought I'd lost a bit…
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15Nov 2018 by Ronny Allan 5 Comments
Pancreatic Cancer vs Neuroendocrine Cancer of Pancreatic Origin

Pancreatic Cancer vs Neuroendocrine Cancer of Pancreatic Origin

Awareness
Reviewed and updated 27th September 2021I campaign hard for Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness including continually pointing out that a Neuroendocrine Cancer with a pancreatic primary is NOT Pancreatic Cancer as is often quoted in the press. The two main reasons I take up these campaigns are as follows:1. They are totally different cancers despite an anatomical relationship.  Although they can share a similar presentation, they can have different signs, different treatments, and vastly different prognostic outcomes. Anyone looking for useful information on either needs to be very careful on interpretation, they could end up with very bad advice and in some situations, become more concerned than they should be. (particularly with the prognostics). See more below. 2. These two different cancer types have different awareness organisations, patient support groups and patient…
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