Happy November!
Today the 10th of November is International Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness Day.
What are Neuroendocrine Tumors? Neuroendocrine tumours are uncommon tumours that arise from specialised body cells called neuroendocrine cells.
Where are Neuroendocrine cells found in the body? Neuroendocrine cells are like nerve cells and hormone-producing cells: they receive and send signals within the nervous system to then release hormones into the blood in response. They are mainly found in the small intestine, pancreas and lungs.
What are some symptoms of Neuroendocrine tumors? Most people do not develop symptoms but in some instances, skin flushing and fluctuating or low blood sugar may be an indicator.
Most of these tumours are not inherited but some types of neuroendocrine tumours are associated with a hereditary cancer or tumour syndrome.