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If neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) spread

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Neuroendocrine tumours
  5. If cancer spreads
Print

Cancer cells can spread from the organ where they started to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If a neuroendocrine tumour (NET) spreads, it can spread to the following:

  • tissues or structures near the organ where the cancer started, such as the peritoneum, the pleura or fat tissue
  • lymph nodes around where the cancer started (regional lymph nodes)
  • liver
  • lungs
  • pancreas
  • bone

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Lung Carcinoid Tumor. 2015. https://www.cancer.org/.
  • American Joint Committee on Cancer. AJCC Cancer Staging Handbook. 7th ed. Chicago: Springer; 2010.
  • National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment for Health Professionals (PDQ®). 2015. http://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/hp/pnet-treatment-pdq.
  • Norton JA, Kunz PL. Carcinoid tumors and the carcinoid syndrome. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 86:1218-1226.
  • Singh S, Asa SL, Dey C, et al. Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors: an evidence-based Canadian consensus. Cancer Treatment Reviews. 2016: 47:32–45. https://cnets.ca/.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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