Neuro-endocrine tumours (NETs) are usually slow-growing tumours arising from hormone-producing cells in the digestive tract and pancreas. Many are curable with specialised surgery, and even advanced NETs can often be controlled for years.
| Definition | Tumour of hormone-producing (neuro-endocrine) cells |
| Behaviour | Often slow-growing; some release hormones causing symptoms |
| When to see a surgeon | A NET found on a scan or biopsy, or unexplained flushing/diarrhoea |
| Curative option | Surgical removal for localised disease |
What is a neuro-endocrine tumour?
Neuro-endocrine tumours develop from specialised hormone-producing cells found throughout the gut and pancreas. They behave very differently from common cancers — many grow slowly over years. Some are "functional", releasing hormones that cause distinctive symptoms, while others are silent and found incidentally.
Symptoms & diagnosis
Functional NETs can cause flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing or low blood sugar, depending on the hormone produced; non-functional NETs are often found by chance on scans. Diagnosis uses specialised blood tests, CT/MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy, and dedicated nuclear-medicine scans that target NET cells.
Treatment options
For localised disease, surgical removal of the tumour is often curative and is the cornerstone of treatment. For more advanced NETs, a range of effective options — including targeted medicines, hormone therapy and specialised nuclear treatments — can control the disease and symptoms for a long time.
Why specialist assessment matters
Because NETs are uncommon and behave uniquely, they are best managed by a team experienced in these tumours. Accurate diagnosis and staging guide whether surgery alone is curative or whether additional therapies are needed.
How we treat Neuro-Endocrine Tumour (NET)
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Super-specialist GI, bariatric & cancer surgeon. SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Read full profile →
Last reviewed: June 2026Frequently asked questions
NETs range from benign-behaving to malignant, but many are slow-growing. Localised NETs are often cured by surgery, and even advanced cases can be controlled for years.
Functional NETs may cause flushing, diarrhoea or low blood sugar from hormone release, while many NETs cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on scans.
Diagnosis combines specialised blood tests, CT/MRI, endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy and dedicated nuclear-medicine scans that highlight NET cells.
Yes — localised NETs are frequently cured by surgical removal, which is why early, specialist assessment is valuable.
NETs need specialist diagnosis and, often, surgery. Dr. Avinash Tank, surgical gastroenterologist at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad, treats gastrointestinal NETs.
NET के लिए विशेषज्ञ निदान और अक्सर सर्जरी की आवश्यकता होती है। अहमदाबाद में डॉ. अविनाश टांक जठरांत्र संबंधी NET का इलाज करते हैं।
Specialist diagnosis ke baad, zyadatar cases mein surgery ki zaroorat hoti hai. Dr. Avinash Tank Ahmedabad mein GI NET treat karte hain.
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