MIBG scan - Ronny Allan - Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

Tag: MIBG scan

An MIBG scan is a nuclear medicine scan that involves an injection of a radioactive medication (radiopharmaceutical) called iodine-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine – MIBG for short. The radiopharmaceutical is injected into a vein usually on the inside of the elbow.

A special gamma camera (a type of scanner) takes images or pictures to confirm if there are tumours (a lump or growth) called neuroendocrine tumours. These tumours involve specific types of nerve tissues and most commonly include pheochromocytomas (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland – which is located above and on the surface of the kidneys) and neuroblastomas (cancers that affect nerve tissue). Neuroblastomas usually begin in the adrenal gland, but might also be found elsewhere in the body.

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

Updated 6th August 2023I 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…