Treatment for neuroendocrine cancer

Surgery for neuroendocrine cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and might be your only treatment. You might have surgery with other treatments for neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) if it hasn't spread.

There are 2 key groups of neuroendocrine cancer:

Doctors often name the cancer after the part of the body where they develop. They call this the primary site. Neuroendocrine cancer starts in different parts of your body such as the stomach, bowel, pancreas or lungs.

Types of surgery for neuroendocrine cancer

The type of surgery you have depends on a number of factors. These include where the cancer started in your body (primary site). And how fast it is growing (grade) and whether it has spread (stage).

Before your operation for neuroendocrine cancer

You have an appointment at the pre assessment clinic 1 or 2 weeks before your operation. You usually have some tests to check you are well enough for surgery.

After surgery for neuroendocrine cancer

Your recovery time will depend on what type of surgery you have. When you wake up after surgery, you are likely to have some tubes and drains in place.

Last reviewed: 06 Feb 2024

Next review due: 06 Feb 2027