Neuroendocrine cancer of the skin
Also called Merkel cell carcinoma. An uncommon but highly malignant skin tumor that characteristically starts in a sun-exposed area in a lightskinned person over 60 as a firm painless shiny lump that can be red, pink, or blue and range in size from less than a quarter of an inch (a half cm) to more than two inches (5 cm) in diameter. The tumor grows rapidly and often metastasizes (spreads) to the regional (nearby) lymph nodes and follows an aggressive course with distant metastases (in order of frequency) to liver, bone, brain, lung, and skin. The prognosis (outlook) is poor.
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- Neuroendocrinology
A branch of medicine concerned with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The nervous and endocrine systems often act together to regulate the physiologic processes of the human body.
- Neuroepithelial
Having to do with tissue made up of sensory cells that serve in the reception of external stimuli. Neuroepithelial tissue is found in the ear, nose, and tongue.
- Neurofibromatosis
neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
- Neurofibromatosis type 1
NF1, a genetic disorder characterized by a number of remarkable skin findings including multiple cafe au lait (coffee with milk) spots, multiple benign tumors called neurofibromas on the skin, plexiform neurofibromas (thick and misshapen nerves due to the abnormal growth of cells and tissues that cover the nerve), and freckles in the armpit and groin. […]
- Neurofibromatosis type 2
A genetic disorder that is characterized by the growth of benign tumors of both acoustic nerves (the nerves to the ears). These tumors, called acoustic neuromas, cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and problems with balance. Abbreviated NF2. Other findings in NF2 include similar benign tumors of other nerves, meningiomas, and juvenile cataracts. […]