Carcinoid tumors are a subgroup of neuroendocrine tumors. Nowadays they will be most often referred to as neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, gut etc. depending on their site of origin. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can occur throughout the body including in the intestine, lungs, stomach or pancreas. These tumors are rare and occur in only about 2 of every 100,000 people. Neuroendocrine tumors can are related to endocrine, hormone-producing cells and can produce different hormones, including serotonin.
Endocrine tumor syndromes are caused by genetic mutations that can be passed on in families from generation to generation. Some types of neuroendocrine tumors are found much more frequently in patients with these genetic mutations. Genetic testing can help identify and treat patients and their families and can prevent complications from advanced neuroendocrine tumors. The most common familial neuroendocrine syndromes are outlined below with their respective genetic mutations and the types of tumors found in these patients.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pancreatic NETs or PNETs) account for less than 5% of all pancreatic tumors. They may be benign or malignant and they tend to grow slower than exocrine tumors. They develop from the abnormal growth of endocrine (hormone-producing) cells in the pancreas called islet cells. This is why these tumors are sometimes referred to as “islet cell tumors.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, support groups have not been meeting in person. If you live in the Ann Arbor area, please visit the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor's website. They have a number of virtual programs for cancer patients, survivors and family.
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