|  | Conditions Treatments | Tumors

Types of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors are abnormal growths made of hormone producing cells from the endocrine system. All types of neuroendocrine tumors secrete high amounts of hormones into the bloodstream affecting how other organs and cells work. Neuroendocrine cells circulate throughout the body and help regulate the functions of other organs, which include the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

  1. Pheochromocytoma

    • Pheochromocytoma tumors begin in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are found at the top of the kidney. These glands release the hormone adrenaline during times of fear and stress. The cells that release this hormone are called chromaffin cells, which is what this type of neuroendocrine tumor is made of. The excess production of adrenaline cause heart rate and blood pressure to rise. During a surge, such as when a person is injured, this can become life-threatening.

    Thyroid Tumors

    • This type of neuroendocrine tumor is found in the thyroid gland. The cells from inside of the thyroid clump together to form a tumor. The tumor secretes excess thyroid hormone. The four types of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular, medullary thyroid and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Papillary and follicular cancer grows slowly and is typically found in one lobe of the thyroid. Medullary cancer can spread, but if it is caught early this can be avoided. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare and grows rapidly.

    Carcinoid Tumors

    • A carcinoid tumor can be found in the stomach, intestines, lungs, pancreas, testicles and ovaries. More than one of this type of neuroendocrine tumor may occur in the same organ. Carcinoid tumors produce excess amounts of hormone-like substances called neuropeptides and amines. This type of tumor may not release a high excess of these substances and can go undetected for years.

    Islet Cell Tumors

    • There are two types of tumors, non-functioning islet cell and functional islet cell tumors. Non-functioning tumors do not release excess hormone and often go undetected because they do not produce symptoms. These types of neuroendocrine tumors are typically found during a CT scan for abdominal complaints. Functional islet cell tumors release and excess of different hormones into the blood. The hormones secreted are excess amounts of insulin, digestive acids and glucagon, which is a hormone that stimulates an increase in the levels of blood glucose levels.

    Thyoma Tumors

    • Thyoma tumors are found in the thymus, which is a small organ under the breastbone and the organ belongs to the lymph system. It is responsible for making white blood cells to fight infection and disease. The cells found in the thymus are epithelial cells and lymphocytes. A thyoma, or thymoma, grows from the epithelial cells in the thymus. Lymphocytes can develop into a cancer known as lymphoma. Thyoma neuroendocrine tumors are slow-growing and sometimes spread to the lungs.

Tumors - Related Articles