Stomach neuroendocrine cancer

Stomach (gastric) neuroendocrine cancer develops in neuroendocrine cells Open a glossary item in the stomach. You might also hear them called stomach neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs).

There are 2 key groups of stomach neuroendocrine cancer: 

  • stomach neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) - there are 3 types (type 1, 2 and 3)
  • stomach neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) - the 2 main types are large cell and small cell

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.

What are stomach neuroendocrine cancers?

Stomach neuroendocrine cancers are rare. You might not have symptoms. If you do, these might include tummy pain, feeling or being sick or unexplained weight loss.

Grades, types and stages of stomach neuroendocrine cancer

There are 3 types of stomach neuroendocrine tumours (NET) - type 1, type 2 and type 3. There are 2 types of stomach neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) - small cell and large cell. 

Treatment for stomach neuroendocrine cancer

Your treatment depends on what type of neuroendocrine cancer you have. Surgery is the most common treatment option for stomach NETs. For stomach NECs you usually have chemotherapy.

Survival

Survival depends on many different factors. It depends on your type of neuroendocrine tumour, treatment and level of fitness. Find out about survival for the different types of stomach NETs.

Last reviewed: 
11 Feb 2025
Next review due: 
11 Feb 2028