A malignant tumor that starts in neuroendocrine cells. Malignant means that it can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.

Cells that are distributed throughout a network in the body and make up the neuroendocrine system. Neuroendocrine cells release hormones into the blood that then regulate specific body functions, such as metabolism, growth and reproduction.

A network of neuroendocrine cells that are distributed throughout the body.

Tumors that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems. They most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal (digestive) system but they are also found in the pancreas, lung and the rest of the body.

A genetic condition characterised by changes in skin colouring (pigmentation) and the growth of tumors along nerves in the skin, brain, and other parts of the body. People with neurofibromatosis type 1 have a high risk of developing NETs.

A peptide neurotransmitter found in various parts of the brain. It is involved in vasodilation, hypotension, and pain perception. Levels of neurotensin in the blood can be used to detect and monitor NETs.

A specialist physician who used radioactive substances or radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat disease. They perform techniques such as scintigraphy that is an imaging method used in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

A nurse who has specifically trained to treat patients with a certain illness, such as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and can act as a consultant to help other medical professionals to treat patients.

A chemical made by some nerve cells and in the adrenal gland. It can act as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. Also called norepinephrine (USA).

A NET that doesn’t release hormones. This type of NET may only cause symptoms when it grows. Most nonfunctional tumors are malignant (cancerous). Also called a nonsecretory NET.

A protein that can be measured in the blood and used to help detect and evaluate the risk of heart failure.

A medicine used to treat NETs. Octreotide belongs to a group of drugs called somatostatin analogues. These are man-made proteins that are similar to a hormone in the body called somatostatin.

An imaging test used to find certain tumors, including NETs. Radioactive octreotide is injected into a vein and travels through the blood. A radiation-measuring device (gamma camera) detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor cells are in the body. Also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or SRS.

A doctor that specialises in treating people with cancer.

A specialist team of doctors and nurses who provide interventions and therapies for the management of pain, such as the pain associated with having neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

A team of specialised doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are trained to provide supportive care such as pain relief to people with long-term, terminal illnesses, particularly during the last days of life.

An organ that produces hormones and enzymes that help your body digest food. The pancreas also produces the hormone insulin, which helps control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Tumors that form in hormone-making cells (islet cells) of the pancreas. These include functioning and non-functioning tumors.

A hormone produced by the pancreas. Levels of pancreatic polypeptides are high in the blood of people with pancreatic NETs (pNETS). Blood levels can therefore be used to diagnose and monitor pNETs.

Tumors that form in the pancreas. These may include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. (pNETs)