Types of neuroendocrine cancer
Neuroendocrine cancers are a group of cancers that start in the 
. Doctors might also call them neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). But the terms mean the same thing.
There are 2 key groups of neuroendocrine cancer:
- neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
- neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs)
Neuroendocrine cancer can start in any part of the body. Doctors often name them after the part of the body where they develop. They call this the site.
To find out more about the your type of neuroendocrine cancer, you can look it up on our list below.
Lung neuroendocrine cancer
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 cancer
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 neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Small bowel NETs are rare. These tumours start in the neuroendocrine cells of the small bowel.
Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer
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).
Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC)
Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NECs) are different to neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). The cancer cells look very abnormal and grow rapidly. Treatment is different.
Neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas
There are different types of NETs of the pancreas. They are usually grouped into functioning NETs and non functioning NETs.
Non functioning neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas
Non functioning means that the NET doesn't make hormones. Or makes hormones that don't cause a set of symptoms (a syndrome).
Insulinoma
Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) that start in the insulin making cells of the pancreas.
Gastrinoma
Gastrinomas are rare NETs that start in cells that make the hormone gastrin.
Glucagonoma
Glucagonomas are rare NETs that start in the glucagon making cells of the pancreas.
VIPoma
VIPomas usually start in the pancreas. They can also rarely start in other organs of the body such as the bowel, lungs and liver.
Somatostatinoma
Somatostatinomas are rare NETs that start in the pancreas or the small bowel (duodenum).
