primitive neuroectodermal tumor

Meaning of primitive neuroectodermal tumor: One of a group of cancers that develop from the same type of early cells, and share certain biochemical and genetic features.

Definition of primitive neuroectodermal tumor

One of a group of cancers that develop from the same type of early cells, and share certain biochemical and genetic features. Some primitive neuroectodermal tumors develop in the brain and central nervous system (CNS-PNET), and others develop in sites outside of the brain such as the limbs, pelvis, and chest wall (peripheral PNET). Also called PNET.