Small bowel neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that start in the neuroendocrine cells of the small bowel.

Small bowel NETs don’t always cause symptoms. If you do have symptoms they can include tummy pain, diarrhoea, weight loss and tiredness.

Most people start by seeing their GP who might then refer you to a specialist. Find out about how to get the most out of these appointments and the tests you might have.

The stage of a small bowel NET tells you how big it is and whether it has spread.

The grade of a small bowel NET tells you how much the NET cells look like normal cells under the microscope.

Survival depends on many factors, so you should only use these statistics as a guide. Find out about survival for people with small bowel NETs.

Treatment depends on a number of factors including where the NET started, the stage and grade of the tumour and your general health.

You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment for your small bowel NET finishes. This is called follow up.

Get practical and emotional support to help you cope with a neuroendocrine tumour.

Researchers are looking at the biology of NETs and trying to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bowel NETs.