Neuroendocrine tumours
What are neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) start in cells of the neuroendocrine system. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide.
Risk factors for neuroendocrine tumours
Learn about risk factors for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) including certain hereditary conditions and family history of cancer.
Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Neuroendocrine cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Learn about late symptoms of neuroendocrine cancer.
Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Tests to diagnose neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), such as tumour marker tests, are done when symptoms suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing NETs.
Grading neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Grading is a way of classifying cancer cells based on their appearance and behaviour when viewed under a microscope. To find out the grade of a tumour, the biopsy sample is examined under a microscope. A grade is given based on how the cancer cells look and behave compared to normal cells.
Stages of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. The most common staging system for neuroendocrine cancer is the TNM system. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) uses the TNM system to describe the extent of many solid tumour cancers.
If neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) spread
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from their original location to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Prognosis and survival for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
People with neuroendocrine cancer may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a person's medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.
Treatments for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Treatments for neuroendocrine cancer include surgery, biological therapy and radiation. Learn about treatment plans and options for neuroendocrine cancer.
Supportive care for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Neuroendocrine tumour (NET) statistics
Neuroendocrine cancers are rare tumours that are included in the other endocrine cancer group. Learn about Canadian statistics for other endocrine cancers.