Neuroendocrine cancers are also known as NET tumors. They can arise in the stomach, small intestine, rectum, colon, and liver. These tumors are usually carcinoid tumors — rare, slow-growing tumors. A neuroendocrine tumor begins in the hormone-producing cells of the body's neuroendocrine system. Neuroendocrine cells regulate air and blood flow through the lungs. They also help control how fast or slow food moves through the gastrointestinal tract.
NET tumors are called the zebras of the cancer world. This is because of the rarity of the disease and how its symptoms may appear as symptoms of much more common illnesses. These include Crohn's Disease, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and rosacea.
Types of neuroendocrine tumors:
Neuroendocrine carcinoma
Approximately 60 percent of all neuroendocrine tumors are labeled "neuroendocrine carcinoma." Neuroendocrine carcinoma can start in the stomach, pancreas, and gastrointestinal/digestive tract.
Carcinoid tumors
Carcinoid tumors usually occur within the lining of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract. Carcinoid tumors that develop in the stomach are mostly slower growing. They do not cause as many symptoms.
Pheochromocytoma
This rare tumor starts in the chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland. These specialized cells release the hormone adrenaline during times of stress. Pheochromocytoma usually occurs in the adrenal medulla, the area inside the adrenal glands, above the kidneys. These tumors increase the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Merkel cell cancer
Merkel cell cancer is highly aggressive, fast-growing and rare. Merkel cell cancer may also be called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or trabecular cancer.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester is one of only two cancer centers in Florida that have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
High volume experience with stomach, gastric, and neuroendocrine (NET) cancers. Because we see so many patients with stomach, gastric, and neuroendocrine (NET) cancers, we have the experience needed to provide better outcomes with fewer potential complications.
Minimally invasive NanoKnife® radiosurgery. We provide more treatment options for patients with inoperable or difficult-to-reach tumors, producing little pain and requiring only a brief hospital stay.
Multidisciplinary care teams. Your care team is made up of experts in all aspects of your exact type of cancer. All of your physicians, nurses, and more collaborate to offer outstanding care.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester is one of only five medical centers in the country with ViewRay™ — MRI-guided radiation therapy. Our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity modulated external radiation therapy (IMRT). These tools lead to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting, and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
More cancer clinical trials than any other South Florida hospital. If appropriate for your cancer and stage, our clinical trials provide you with easy access to the very newest ways to treat and potentially cure your cancer.
Precision medicine options. We define your cancer and its treatment by the genes driving it, rather than solely its location and stage, so we can offer more targeted and effective therapies.