What Is PNET?
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Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNETS) of the central nervous system (CNS-PNETs) are identified as highly aggressive large tumors that are found in the brain and spine. Hence, when we talk about PNETs in this web-site we are referring to the CNS-PNETs.
CNS PNETs can be distinguished from PNETs occurring outside the central nervous syste (referred to as peripheral PNETs). This web-site is dedicate to CNS PNETs.
CNS PNET’s are now referred to as Embryonal Tumours (discussed below).
PNETs are extremely aggressive.
PNETs tend to strike in children and young adults.
There have been some cases where PNET has been found in persons of middle age. This is extremely rare.
It is very difficult to predict the survival course for PNET. The survival rate depends on the age of the child, whether radiation is an option, the size and location of the tumour and the type of PNET. This is discussed in more detail below
The classification of brain tumours is governed by the guidelines published by the World Health Organisation (WHO). CNS-PNETs are now being described as Embryonal Tumours under the 2016
World Health Organisation’s system of classification of brain tumours. Eventually, the name PNET will be phased out and a new name will
be introduced for each type of PNET, however, for now the name PNET is still used in a general sense to describe these tumours as a group.
Research to date has shown that 4 sub-types of PNET’s exist. Our research page discusses this in more detail.
Symptoms vary according to the location of the tumor and generally include: