Diabetes and Endocrinology

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours highly diverse group of tumours formed from one type of neuroendocrine cell. These cells are scattered throughout the chest and abdomen, but most are seen in the GI tract. Neuroendocrine cells make hormones that help to control digestive juices and the muscles used in moving food through the stomach and intestines. Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours sometimes also make hormones and release them into the body. These tumours basically grow slowly and are classified as low-grade tumours, but in some cases may begin to grow rapidly.

Another type of tumour that arises in the adrenal glands is called pheochromocytoma which is sometimes classified as a neuroendocrine tumour. Carcinoid tumours are by far the most common type of neuroendocrine tumours which are found in the gastrointestinal system. Neuroendocrine tumours that arise in the lungs are also known as pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours.