Astrocytoma: A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes.
Astrocyte: A large, star-shaped cell that holds nerve cells in place and helps them develop and work the way they should. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell.
Other Types of Tumors
Germ Cell Tumors
Germ cell tumors are a type of tumor
that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. These tumors
can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or
malignant.
Our page of cancers by body location/system includes a list of germ cell tumors with links to more information.
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors form from cells
that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the
nervous system. These tumors, which may make higher-than-normal amounts
of hormones, can cause many different symptoms. Neuroendocrine tumors
may be benign or malignant.
Our definition of neuroendocrine tumors has more information.
Neuroendocrine tumor: A tumor that forms from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, which can cause many different symptoms. These tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Some examples of neuroendocrine tumors are carcinoid tumors, islet cell tumors, medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytomas, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin (Merkel cell cancer), small cell lung cancer, and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (a rare type of lung cancer).
Carcinoid Tumors
Carcinoid tumors are a type of
neuroendocrine tumor. They are slow-growing tumors that are usually
found in the gastrointestinal system (most often in the rectum and small
intestine). Carcinoid tumors may spread to the liver or other sites in
the body, and they may secrete substances such as serotonin or
prostaglandins, causing carcinoid syndrome.
Carcinoid Syndrome: A combination of symptoms caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include flushing of the face, flat angiomas (small collections of dilated blood vessels) of the skin, diarrhea, bronchial spasms, rapid pulse, and sudden drops in blood pressure.
No comments:
Post a Comment