The term “neuroendocrine tumor” broadly includes a wide range of neoplasms which range from indolent and slow growing to potentially aggressive ones.

Since the underlying “cell type” responsible for neuroendocrine tumor exists in multiple organs, these lesions can arise in different sites including small bowel, pancreas, appendix, and lung.

It is important to differentiate between “neuroendocrine tumor” of the intestine or pancreas versus intestinal or pancreatic cancers.

While there are a variety of non-surgical options, ranging from injections of “hormone” blockers and chemotherapy regimens, the mainstay of treatment for the vast majority of these tumors is surgical resection.

Most patients present with disease that in addition to the primary site, has already spread to lymph nodes and liver.

Fortunately, due to the relatively slow growing nature of most neuroendocrine tumors, surgical resection has a survival benefit even in many advanced cases.