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

Awareness, Patient Advocacy

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 (the remainder of…

USA finally commits UK and Australian figures recently confirmed that Neuroendocrine Cancer is the 10th and 7th most common cancer type. It was great to see this post from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, albeit the USA is joining later than many other countries confirming the worst-kept secret ever – NETs are not rare. […]

Cancer Ablation

What is Cancer Ablation? This is a minimally invasive surgical method to treat solid cancers. Special probes are used to “burn” or “freeze” cancers. Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound (US) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to guide and position the needle probe into the tumour. This requires only a tiny hole, usually less than […]

Lactose intolerance – the NET Effect

Background When I cast my mind back to my very first surgery, I remember asking my Oncologist what I could do to put on weight. He said to drink full-fat milk. I was compliant in those days without reverting to Dr Google. Anyway, I did put on weight but perhaps the milk played a small […]

EUS Guided Ablation for small pancreatic NETs (Less than 2cm)

To burn or not to burn? I once wrote a post about Pancreatic NET “to cut or not to cut”. You can read that here. Surgery for small pancreatic NETs remains controversial with most guidelines and study guidelines recommending surveillance for small primary tumours less than 2cm. There are exceptions to that, e.g. preventative surgery […]

RonnyAllan.NET – a review of 2022

Review In 2022, my pet project (my blog) hit 2 million views in early November – that was a major boost. It takes 3-4 years to get a million hits based on current performance. To be honest, I’m still flabbergasted by reaching one million in 2018. It just kinda happened! I am grateful for every single view. […]