Neuroectodermal neoplasm explained

Neuroectodermal tumor
Field:	Oncology

A neuroectodermal neoplasm is a neoplasm or tumor of the neuroectoderm.^[1] They are most commonly tumors in the central or peripheral nervous system.

Tumors exhibiting neuroectodermal differentiation are classified into two main groups:^[2]

• Group I tumors/neoplasms: neuroendocrine carcinomas. These show predominantly epithelial differentiation. They include pituitary adenoma and carcinoid tumor
• Group II tumors/neoplasms: nonepithelial neuroectodermal neoplasms. These are predominantly neural in origin. They include malignant melanoma, olfactory neuroblastoma and Ewing's sarcoma.

Notes and References

1. http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=45952 Neuroectodermal tumor
2. Mills. Stacey E. Neuroectodermal Neoplasms of the Head and Neck with Emphasis on Neuroendocrine Carcinomas. Modern Pathology. 15. 3. 2002. 264–278. 0893-3952. 10.1038/modpathol.3880522. 11904342. free.