Neuroendocrine tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that develop in cells of the neuroendocrine system. They are also called neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). There are a number of different types. The type you have depends on the particular cells that the tumour starts in.

Some types of NETs are also called carcinoid tumours.

What are neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)?

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that start in neuroendocrine cells. This group of tumours are also called neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs).

Getting diagnosed

Find out about seeing your GP, referral to a specialist and the tests you might have to diagnose a NET.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of NET you have, where the tumour is, its size and whether it has spread (the stage).

Carcinoid syndrome

Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms that some people get when they have a neuroendocrine tumour (NET). These symptoms happen when the tumour makes large amounts of hormones.

Lung neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

Lung NETs are rare cancers that start in the neuroendocrine cells of the lung. Some types of lung NETs are called carcinoid tumours.

Stomach neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

Stomach NETs are rare tumours starting in the neuroendocrine cells of the stomach. You might also hear them called neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) or neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

Small bowel NETs are rare. These tumours start in the neuroendocrine cells of the small bowel.

Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine tumours

Large bowel and rectal NETs are rare cancers that start in the neuroendocrine cells. Some types of NETs are called carcinoid tumours.