Types of neuroendocrine cancer

Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer

Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer starts in neuroendocrine cells. The large bowel is also called the large intestine or colon. The back passage (rectum) is the last part of the colon.

Neuroendocrine cancers are a group of cancers that develop in cells. You might also hear the term neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN). This means the same as neuroendocrine cancer.

They develop in different parts of the body such as the pancreas, lungs, bowel or stomach.

There are 2 key groups of neuroendocrine cancer:

NETs and NECs are very different. So it is important to know which one you have. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse if you are not sure.

Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer needs different treatments to other more common types of bowel (colorectal) cancer.

We have separate information about the more common type of large bowel and rectal cancer

What are large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancers?

Large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancers are rare cancers that start in neuroendocrine cells. You might not have symptoms. If you do, these might include a change in your bowel habits, tummy pain, bleeding or unexplained weight loss.

Grades, types and stages of large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancers

The grade shows how quickly or slowly your cancer cells are dividing and growing. The stage refers to the size of the cancer, and whether it has spread. Types include neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

Treatment for large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer

Treatment depends on where the cancer started, its size and whether it has spread. Surgery is the main treatment for large bowel and rectal neuroendocrine cancer.

Last reviewed: 12 Feb 2025

Next review due: 12 Feb 2028