MEN2 syndrome - Ronny Allan - Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

10Apr 2023 by Ronny Allan No Comments

Semaglutide (e.g. Ozempic) For adults with type 2 diabetes – The NET Effect

Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy

BackgroundThis subject of semaglutide (e.g. Ozempic) is appearing regularly in my private Facebook group, and I can see there might be some confusion out there. But first, I wanted to state that this post is not about me saying semaglutide (or whatever brand names are included in this post) is something you should be taking or not. That is the responsibility of your doctors in conjunction with you the patient. Nor is this post to be considered in any way a promotion for the drug or the manufacturer, I have no relationship or communications with the manufacturer, nor am I taking this drug. I merely wanted to point out some facts about this drug, mainly from the manufacturer's website and hopefully provide some context for those who may be confused. That said, clearly…

24Nov 2022 by Ronny Allan No Comments

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) – genetic related syndromes

Awareness, Patient Advocacy

Definitions - the differences between Hereditary vs Familial vs Genetic DisordersI wanted to start with these definitions because people may unintentionally use these three terms interchangeably which is sometimes not the correct use of the information being conveyed. However, after studying this subject, I can tell you it is a very complex area and difficult to explain and then understand in a single paragraph. Even these widely accepted definitions don't make it any more understandable! The terms ‘hereditary’ and ‘familial’ look like synonyms and are frequently used interchangeably but are two different concepts. ‘Hereditary’ is most commonly used when referring to diseases with a known genetic cause whereas ’Familial’ disorders are those which appear to have a genetic component, affecting more family members than would be expected by chance alone. However,…

14Dec 2016 by Ronny Allan 4 Comments

Neuroendocrine Tumours: a spotlight on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

A spotlight on NENs - Types, Awareness, Patient Advocacy, Spotlight on NENs - Types Series

I 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 way: Pheochromocytomas (Pheo for short) Pheochromocytomas are tumours of the adrenal gland that produce excess adrenaline. They arise from the central portion of the adrenal gland, which is called the adrenal medulla…

09Mar 2016 by Ronny Allan 4 Comments

A spotlight on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)

Awareness, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

This is an overview, if you require detail, try my more comprehensive post by clicking here or on the picture[caption id="attachment_38157" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Click on the picture to read more[/caption]OverviewWe all know that Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) and their syndromes are complex but there is even more complexity to be found in a group of related disorders known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN). I recommend all NET patients should try to understand the basics of MEN and vice versa, particularly as both conditions seem to come with a plethora of endocrine-related effects.MEN patients will normally have a tumour in at least two endocrine glands - thus the terms 'Multiple' and 'Endocrine' (tumours can also develop in other organs and tissues). Neoplasia is just another name for tumour and these can be non-cancerous (benign) or…

10Aug 2015 by Ronny Allan 16 Comments

The Syndromes of Neuroendocrine Cancer – Early Signs of a Late Diagnosis

Awareness

One of the curious things about Neuroendocrine Cancer (NETs elsewhere in the text) is that it can very often exhibit one or more vague symptoms collectively known as a 'syndrome'. Syndrome is an apt word to describe these complications as the most general meaning in medical terms is a group of symptoms that together are characteristic of a specific disorder or disease". Having a syndrome can often be the difference between having a 'functional' condition or a non-functional' condition - see more below. This frequently makes Neuroendocrine Cancer very difficult to diagnose quickly. It's a very devious disease. It's NOT all about Carcinoid Syndrome! Most people think of Carcinoid Syndrome when they discuss NETs. Anyone suggesting that all NET patients get carcinoid syndrome or that all symptoms of NETs are…