Types of neuroendocrine cancer

Stomach neuroendocrine cancer

Stomach neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are more common than neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). There are 3 types of stomach NET: Type 1, 2 and 3. Small cell and large cell are types of stomach NEC.

Neuroendocrine cancers are a group of cancers that develop in cells. You might also hear the term neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN). This means the same as neuroendocrine cancer.

They develop in different parts of the body such as the pancreas, lungs, bowel or stomach.

There are 2 key groups of neuroendocrine cancer:

NETs and NECs are very different. So it is important to know which one you have. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse if you are not sure.

What are stomach neuroendocrine cancers?

Stomach neuroendocrine cancer develops in the neuroendocrine cells of the stomach. You might not have symptoms. If you do, these might include tummy pain, feeling or being sick or unexplained weight loss.

Grades, types and stages of stomach neuroendocrine cancer

The grade shows how quickly or slowly the cancer cells are growing and dividing. The stage tells you the size of the cancer and if it has spread. There are 3 types of stomach NET - type 1, type 2 and type 3. There are 2 types of stomach NEC - small cell and large cell.

Treatment for stomach neuroendocrine cancer

Your treatment depends on what type of neuroendocrine cancer you have. Surgery is the most common treatment option for stomach NETs. For stomach NECs you usually have chemotherapy.

Last reviewed: 11 Feb 2025

Next review due: 11 Feb 2028