A Spotlight on Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

A Spotlight on Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

DisclaimerThe information in this Spotlight is for general education only. It cannot replace advice from your own medical team, who know your individual situation, test results, and treatment options. Neuroendocrine Neoplasms and related conditions are complex and research is evolving; guidance, classifications, and statistics may change over time. Always discuss any questions or concerns with your specialist team before making decisions about tests, treatments, or monitoring. Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms comprise Pancreatic NETs (well differentiated) and Pancreatic NEC (poorly differentiated) 1. What they are Pancreatic NENs arise anywhere in the head, neck, body, or tail of the pancreas and include: Well‑differentiated…
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Genetics and Neuroendocrine Tumours

Genetics and Neuroendocrine Tumours

Hereditary genetics.....where to focus In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that a number of Neuroendocrine tumours arise as a result of germline genetic mutations and are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The number of genes implicated is increasing as research advances and I cannot guarantee this post will contain all of them. Apparently, 5-10% of NETs are estimated to have a hereditary background. Hereditary syndromes associated with these include Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), Von Hippel Lindau (VHL), Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) and others. People who have a genetic condition may present with the tumours…
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Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) – genetic related syndromes

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) – genetic related syndromes

Cancer is a genetic disorder. It happens when genes that manage cell activity mutate and create abnormal cells that divide and multiply, eventually disrupting how your body works.  Medical researchers estimate 5% to 12% of all cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations that you can’t control. More frequently, cancer happens as an acquired genetic mutation. Acquired genetic mutations happen over the course of your life. This is a very general description of the close relationships between genetics and cancer but I wanted to focus below on hereditary syndromes and genetic disorders related to Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.  Definitions - the differences between Hereditary…
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