About Neuroendocrine Tumors
The endocrine and nervous systems are essentially about communication. The endocrine system sends messages throughout the body using hormones that regulate mood, growth and metabolism. The nervous system uses electrical impulses to transfer information about movement and sensation.
The neuroendocrine system includes both, and so neuroendocrine cells have features of both the endocrine and nervous systems. These cells can receive signals from the nervous system and trigger the release of hormones into the blood. This system regulates key functions throughout the body. These cells are found in many places including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), and pancreas.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare cancers that arise when these cells begin to grow abnormally. Unlike most cancers, they tend to grow very slowly. Since a neuroendocrine tumor arises from cells that produce hormones, the tumor itself can produce extra hormones, causing illness. Many symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors are caused by hormones the tumor secretes. Because the symptoms can be varied and vague, they are easily misdiagnosed.
The genetic basis of NETs is largely unknown. Recently scientists have deciphered the genetic code for some pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
The neuroendocrine system includes both, and so neuroendocrine cells have features of both the endocrine and nervous systems. These cells can receive signals from the nervous system and trigger the release of hormones into the blood. This system regulates key functions throughout the body. These cells are found in many places including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), and pancreas.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare cancers that arise when these cells begin to grow abnormally. Unlike most cancers, they tend to grow very slowly. Since a neuroendocrine tumor arises from cells that produce hormones, the tumor itself can produce extra hormones, causing illness. Many symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors are caused by hormones the tumor secretes. Because the symptoms can be varied and vague, they are easily misdiagnosed.
The genetic basis of NETs is largely unknown. Recently scientists have deciphered the genetic code for some pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation
The mission of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation is to fund research to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers.
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation is committed to improving the lives of patients, families, and caregivers affected by neuroendocrine cancer by providing information and educational resources. NETRF is the leading non-profit organization supporting NET research, worldwide. They are committed to funding the most promising research in order to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers. Our research grants support the work of leading scientists at renowned research institutions, around the world. https://netrf.org/
* NETRF launches NETWise podcast *
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation is committed to improving the lives of patients, families, and caregivers affected by neuroendocrine cancer by providing information and educational resources. NETRF is the leading non-profit organization supporting NET research, worldwide. They are committed to funding the most promising research in order to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers. Our research grants support the work of leading scientists at renowned research institutions, around the world. https://netrf.org/
* NETRF launches NETWise podcast *
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Elephants and Tea is a media company with the mission to help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivors and caregivers experience relief through self-expression, inspiring others during their cancer journey and connecting people with supportive organizations across the nation. We have the only magazine written for and by AYA cancer patients, survivors and caregivers telling their story in their own words.
Cancer is the Elephant in the room. Tea is the relief conversation provides.
Be Heard. Join the Herd.