Neuroendocrine Tumour

A neuroendocrine tumour or NET is a medical condition in which abnormal growth of a tissue in the hormone-producing cells, which are known as neuroendocrine cells, of the body. When the affected cells also happen to be the nerve cells of the body it is termed as neuroendocrine tumour.

A neuroendocrine tumour most commonly develops in the intestines. Apart from intestines, it generally develops in lungs, pancreas or any part of the body. The seriousness of the tumour depends on the nature of the tumour, whether it is benign or malignant which further depends on the body part the tumour has affected and the body parts it has spread to. 

Types

There are many types of the tumour such as Pheochromocytoma, Merkel cell cancer, Neuroendocrine carcinoma, and Paraganglioma.  

Pheochromocytoma is related chromaffin cells which are responsible for producing adrenaline in the body. 

Merkel cell cancer is a type of NET which affects the neck and head. This type of cancer is quite rare which affects the cells just under the layer of skin on the body. It is also known as the neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. It can also affect the brain, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

Survival rate 

The survival rate after contracting the disease depends on two factors

1)The body part affected
2)Nature of the tumour- Benign or Malignant