What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?
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Neuroendocrine cells are present all over the body such as the skin, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, thyroid and the intestines. In normal, healthy individuals, a variety of stimuli cause the neurons (nerve cells) to convey neurotransmitters (chemicals which are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses) to these neuroendocrine cells, which in turn release hormones into the blood.
In short, the neuroendocrine cells are responsible for the release of hormones into the blood. In this way, the central nervous system plays a pivotal role in normal functioning of and release of hormones from our endocrine glands.
Example: The thyroid gland, on receiving signals from the brain, releases the thyroid hormones. Therefore, neuroendocrine tumors are cancerous growths which begin inside the neuroendocrine cells.
Epidemiology: A study conducted in Bombay Hospital from the year 2000-2007 shows that the age of developing NETs was around 41 to 60 years with a significantly higher incidence in males than in females and a higher incidence of stomach involvement.
Survival rate: Patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors have a 5 year survival, depending upon the type of neuroendocrine tumor.
Based on the type of growth, the tumors can be Benign or Malignant.
Benign tumors are harmless and can be differentiated from the normal tissue. These do not spread to other parts and can be easily removed from the affected part.
Malignant tumors spread to other parts. They cannot be easily differentiated from the normal tissues and since the spread is haphazard, they cannot be removed if they affect vital organs.
Staging of neuroendocrine tumors is done based on the organ or part affected. There is no specific gradation technique applied to neuroendocrine tumors specifically.
Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor cells can be done on the basis of sign and symptoms, MRI, CT or PET-CT scans followed by Biopsy. Molecular testing of these tumors can be done to assess the type of tumor and treatment options.
Recent research and development studies have suggested that drugs such as Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, and Octreotide can either destroy the tumor cells or slow down the growth and multiplication of the neuroendocrine tumor cells.