Types of neuroendocrine cancer

Small bowel neuroendocrine cancer

Small bowel neuroendocrine cancers start in neuroendocrine cells of the small bowel (small intestine). Cancers can develop in all parts of the small bowel including the ileum, jejunum and duodenum.

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.

Small bowel neuroendocrine cancers are different to neuroendocrine cancer that starts in the large bowl and .

We also have information about large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumours need different treatment to other more common types of small bowel cancer.

We have information about other types of small bowel cancer

What are small bowel neuroendocrine cancers?

Small bowel neuroendocrine cancers start in the neuroendocrine cells of the small bowel. The small bowel is part of the digestive system. It is also called the small intestine. If you have symptoms, they might include tummy pain, weight loss and changes to your poo.

Grades, types and stages of small bowel neuroendocrine cancer

The grade refers to how quickly or slowly the cancer cells are dividing and growing. The stage of a neuroendocrine cancer tells you its size and whether it has spread. There are different types.

Treatment for small bowel neuroendocrine cancer

Treatment depends on a number of factors. These include whether you have a NET or NEC, where it is in your small bowel, whether it has spread, and how fast it is growing.

Last reviewed: 28 Feb 2025

Next review due: 28 Feb 2028