Neuroendocrine cancers

Neuroendocrine cancers are also called neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). There are 2 key groups - neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you to a specialist doctor and organise tests. 

There are many different types of neuroendocrine cancer. They are usually named after the part of the body where they develop. 

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

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.

There are different groups of lung neuroendocrine cancer. Lung neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) include typical and atypical carcinoids. Lung neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) include small cell and large cell NECs.

Stomach neuroendocrine cancers start in the neuroendocrine cells of the stomach. Neuroendocrine cells in the stomach help control the release of digestive juices and how fast food moves through the stomach.

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

Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancers are less common than other types of bowel cancer. They develop in the neuroendocrine cells of the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectum).  

There are different types of NETs of the pancreas. They are usually grouped into functioning NETs and non functioning NETs.

 MCC is a rare type of skin cancer that starts in Merkel cells. Its is also called a type of neuroendocrine tumour (NET). 

Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with neuroendocrine cancer.