The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation directs your individual donations to breakthrough scientific research. Since 2005, we have funded $37.6 million in research projects. The Neuroendocrine Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are grateful to you for your generosity.
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation directs your individual donations to breakthrough scientific research. Since 2005, we have funded $37.6 million in research projects. The Neuroendocrine Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are grateful to you for your generosity.
Home » For Patients » Nonfunctional and Functional NETS » Nonfunctional and Functional pNETs
Although nonfunctional pNETs can grow for a long time without causing signs or symptoms, the size of the tumor may cause:
Functional pNETs can overproduce and release large amounts of these hormones into the bloodstream, depending on the endocrine cell of origin:
Insulin: lowers the levels of sugar in the blood
Glucagon: increases the levels of sugar in the blood
Gastrin: gives a signal to the stomach to produce more stomach acid
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP): helps control water, salt, enzyme, and gastric acid secretions in the body. It also plays a role in the relaxation of smooth muscle in the digestive tract, heart, and blood vessels
Somatostatin: helps regulate other hormones in the body
When a pNET releases hormones, it may also be called: