Understanding Neuroendocrine
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) is the umbrella term for a group of unusual, often slow-growing cancers.
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What are NETs?
A neuroendocrine tumour (NET) begins in the specialized cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system. These cells have traits of both hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. They are found throughout the body’s organs and help control many of the body’s functions. Hormones are chemical substances that are carried through the bloodstream to have a specific effect on the activity of other organs or cells in the body. Most NETs take years to develop and grow slowly. However, some NETs can be fast-growing.
Neuro-endocrine = messenger cells of the body
Where are they found?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) can start almost anywhere in the body, but most commonly found in the digestive system, lungs, pancreas and reproductive organs. These tumours develop from secretory cells found throughout the body and are grouped by where the tumour started in the body.
The most common types of NETs are named with their primary site:
- Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours (GI NETs)
- Lung neuroendocrine tumours (lung NETs)
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs)
NETs can also begin in other organs and sometimes, NETs may develop in or on the adrenal glands. These rare types of NETs are called pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.
Symptoms experienced may include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhoea
- Flushing / menopause like symptoms
- Bloating
- Wheezing / chronic cough
- Heart Burn
- Weight changes
Related resources
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BookletPatient Guide
This booklet has been developed to provide information about neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) for patients and their families.
SCAN 2025 – NET patient survey (New Zealand)
The New Zealand reading of the global SCAN 2025 survey of neuroendocrine cancer patients and clinicians – how our care compares with the world.
MEN1 syndrome (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1)
MEN1 is a rare inherited condition that causes tumours in the endocrine glands – the parathyroids, pituitary and pancreas. What it is, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed.
Types of scans for NET Cancers
There are various types of scans that may or may not be suitable for your type of NETs. Here is a summary of some scans you might encounter.