At the The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at St. Joseph Hospital, we treat many forms of cancer, including PNET. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is one of many different types of tumors classified in the Ewing's family of tumors. PNET is also known as peripheral neuroepithelioma. Other types of Ewing's tumors include: Ewing's tumor of bone; extraosseus Ewing's (tumor growing outside of the bone); and Askin's tumor (PNET of the chest wall). These tumors are rare diseases in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the bone and soft tissues. Tumors classified under the heading PNET include medulloblastoma (the most common), pineoblastoma, ependymoblastoma, retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma and esthesioneuroblastoma.
Presence of PNET
In two thirds of cases, Ewing's tumors strike before the age of 35. PNET occurs most frequently in teenagers, with males slightly more likely to incur the disease. Typical locations of PNET are the chest, abdomen/pelvis area, extremities (buttock and upper thigh, shoulder and upper arm), and head and neck. The symptoms of PNET will depend on the tumor's size and location. Some individuals who have PNET will experience pain, stiffness or tenderness in the bone. Head and neck PNET can cause increased pressure inside the head, resulting in headache, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms result from pressure on the brain itself and can result in weakness, visual problems, loss of balance and seizures.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Patients who have PNET have a greater chance for survival than ever before due to improved treatment strategies. The potential for recovery and choice of treatment also depend on the location, size, how far the cancer has spread, cancer cells' reaction to treatment, and the patient's overall health. To develop the most effective treatment plan, patients at St. Joseph Hospital's The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment first undergo thorough diagnostic testing. This is likely to include tissue sampling, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Each patient's treatment regimen will vary depending on his or her individual needs. Surgery may be performed to remove the cancer and tissue surrounding it. Radiation therapy applies high-dose x-rays to rid the body of cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy uses one or more drugs that will travel through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells. In some cases, surgery may be called for after chemotherapy or radiation therapy to remove any remaining tumor. Clinical studies have shown that the most effective treatment of PNET comes through a combination of therapies rather than a single method.
St. Joseph Hospital's The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment brings together a highly skilled medical team applying the latest medical evidence and the best technology available today. Radiologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and numerous other dedicated medical specialists combine their expertise with one goal in mind: recovery and relief for our patients diagnosed with PNET.
Links to Additional PNET Information
National The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment:
PNET of the chest wall
Ewing's Family of Tumors
American Cancer Society:
http://www.cancer.org/
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