What is an Apudoma?

APUDomas, currently known as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), are a group of heterogeneous tumors that arise from the diffuse neuroendocrine system. They occur mainly in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. These tumors typically present with organ-specific features.

Are carcinoid tumors benign or malignant?

They have been called “cancers in slow motion.” Most carcinoids rarely spread to other parts of the body; these tumors are said to be of low malignant potential, midway between benign and malignant. Other carcinoids are malignant and can spread to other parts of the body.

What is Argentaffinoma?

Argentaffinoma: A tumor which secretes large amounts of the hormone serotonin. Argentaffinoma is also called carcinoid tumor. The tumor usually arises in the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere between the stomach and the rectum (the favorite spot is in the appendix) and from there may metastasize (spread) to the liver.

Where are Apud cells found?

gastrointestinal tract
The open APUD cell is the most common type of endocrine cell in the gastrointestinal tract. It is found in areas extending from the pyloric antrum to the rectum. These cells sense chemical substances in the food. Thus they behave as chemoreceptors or ‘taste’ cells.

What are Dnes cells?

APUD cells (DNES cells) constitute a group of apparently unrelated endocrine cells, which were named by the scientist A.G.E. Pearse, who developed the APUD concept in the early 1960s. These cells share the common function of secreting a low molecular weight polypeptide hormone.

How serious is a carcinoid tumor?

Carcinoid tumors may secrete hormones that can cause thickening of the lining of heart chambers, valves and blood vessels. This can lead to leaky heart valves and heart failure that may require valve-replacement surgery.

Is neuroendocrine tumor the same as carcinoid tumor?

Overview. Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. Carcinoid tumors, which are one subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum) or in the lungs.

How rare are neuroendocrine tumors?

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare, accounting for less than one percent of all malignant disorders in the United States. It is estimated that fewer than 2,000 new cases occur in the United States each year.

What does Apud cells secrete?

Pearse, who developed the APUD concept in the early 1960s. These cells share the common function of secreting a low molecular weight polypeptide hormone. There are several different types which secrete the hormones secretin, cholecystokinin and several others.