About Cancer
Neuroendocrine cancers are a group of cancers that develop in cells of the . They can develop in different parts of the body, such as the stomach, bowel, pancreas or lungs.
You might also hear them called ). This means the same as neuroendocrine cancer.
There are 2 key groups of neuroendocrine cancer:
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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.
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.
Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms including flushing of the skin and diarrhoea. It is caused by some NETs that produce large of amounts of hormones.
A pathologist reports how abnormal the cancer cells look (differentiation) and how quickly they are growing (grading). Your stage is the size of the cancer and whether it has spread.
Survival (prognosis) depends on several factors. This includes your type of neuroendocrine cancer, where it is in your body, and whether it has spread.
Treatment depends on the type of neuroendocrine cancer you have, where it is, its size and whether it has spread (the stage).
Researchers are looking at improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of people with neuroendocrine cancer.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with neuroendocrine cancer.
We don't know what causes most neuroendocrine cancer. But we know there are some inherited conditions that can increase your risk.
Last reviewed: 04 Feb 2025
Next review due: 04 Feb 2028
This section has been written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thanks to the expert medical professionals and people affected by cancer who have helped to review this information.
Professor John Ramage, MD, MB BS, FRCP, Consultant Physician in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
Dr Wasat Mansoor, MBChB, MRCP, PhD, Consultant Medical Oncologist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester
Wendy Martin, MSc Healthcare Practice, BSc (Hons), DipHE, RGN, Kings College Hospital MHS Foundation trust, London
Suzanne Vickrage, Neuroendocrine Tumour Clinical Nurse Specialist Team Leader, Birmingham NET Centre
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