A tumor that forms from cells that release hormones in response to a signal from the nervous system. Some examples of neuroendocrine tumors are carcinoid tumors, islet cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, and neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (Merkel cell cancer). These tumors may secrete higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, which can cause many different symptoms.

Tumors whose cells possess secretory granules and originate from the neuroectoderm, i.e., the cells of the ectoblast or epiblast that program the neuroendocrine system. Common properties across most neuroendocrine tumors include ectopic hormone production (often via APUD CELLS), the presence of tumor-associated antigens, and isozyme composition.

(neuroendocrine neoplasm) A benign or malignant neoplasm composed of cells of neuroendocrine origin. Representative examples include paraganglioma, carcinoid tumor, and neuroendocrine carcinoma.

(neuroendocrine neoplasm) A tumor that originates from a neuroendocrine cell.

Neuroendocrine tumors are cancers that begin in specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells have traits similar to those of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells.

A neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is a rare type of tumor that arises from specialized body cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cells have traits of both nerve cells and hormone -producing cells, and release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. Because a neuroendocrine tumor arises from cells that...