Neuroendocrine tumors are rare types of cancer that originate in neuroendocrine cells and can develop in various organs like the lungs, stomach or female reproductive tract. They make up only about 2% of all cancers and are often difficult to diagnose as their symptoms can be similar to more common conditions, leading doctors to think of them as the "zebras" of oncology. Neuroendocrine tumors are marked by the November 10th World Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness Day and Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month in November with a zebra print ribbon as their symbol.
3. INTRODUCTION
NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR-
ZEBRA’S OF ONCOLOGY WORLD.
If we hear hoofbeats, what animal would we think of? A horse, is the most
obvious answer.
Unfortunately, in the medical world, not all diagnoses are horses or the most
likely possibility, and sometimes physicians need to look for the zebra — the
less likely scenario when making a diagnosis.
10th of nov-world neuroendocrine awareness day.
November-Carcinoid tumor awareness month
5. • NETs comprises of ~2% of all malignancies
• The term “ neuroendocrine” is applied to widely dispersed cells with
“ neuro ” and “ endocrine ” properties.
• The “ neuro ” property is based on the identification of DCGs that are
similar to DCGs present in serotonergic neurons,which store monoamines.
• The “ endocrine ” property refers to the synthesis and secretion of these
monoamines.
