Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor?
An oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer, usually guides care for these tumors. A gut doctor (gastroenterologist) or a hormone doctor (endocrinologist) may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor?
A gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is cancer that forms in the lining of the digestive tract. These tumors form from neuroendocrine cells, which are like nerve cells and also make hormones. GI neuroendocrine tumors are rare, and most grow very slowly. Most of them occur in the small intestine, rectum, and appendix.
Pancreatic NETs are rare tumors of the pancreas. They start from a type of cell called the islet cell. They can be noncancerous or cancerous.
Symptoms
Some GI neuroendocrine tumors have no signs or symptoms in the early stages. These tumors are often found during tests or treatments for other conditions. Tumors in the small intestine, colon, and rectum sometimes cause symptoms as they grow or because of the hormones they make. Symptoms can include:
- Belly pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Blood in the stool or pain in the rectum
Other conditions can cause the same symptoms. Carcinoid syndrome may occur if the tumor spreads to the liver or other parts of the body. One sign is redness or warmth in the face and neck.
Pancreatic NET symptoms depend on which hormone the tumor makes. For example, a tumor that makes insulin lowers the blood sugar level. If blood sugar gets too low, you may faint, have a seizure, or even go into a coma.
Causes and who gets it
A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome or neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) syndrome raises the risk of GI NETs. For pancreatic tumors, a family history of MEN I is a risk factor. Some people get these tumors with no known risk factors.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your health and family history and do an exam. Your doctor may also use these tests:
- Blood tests, which check for a hormone made by the tumor
- A tumor marker test, which looks for chromogranin A
- CT scans and MRI, which take detailed pictures inside the body
- A biopsy, in which cells or tissue are removed and viewed under a microscope
For pancreatic tumors, the blood tests used depend on the symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment of GI NETs usually includes surgery. Treatment depends mainly on whether the tumor can be removed by surgery and whether it has spread. Surgery can remove a small tumor that is on the inside lining of the GI tract. Surgery is a common and effective treatment for pancreatic NETs. You may be cured if surgery removes a pancreatic tumor before it spreads to other organs.
Doctors also use radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Hormone therapy stops extra hormones from being made. Medicines called somatostatin analogs can help slow some pancreatic tumors.
For small or low-grade pancreatic tumors, doctors may use active surveillance. This means watching closely and not treating unless tests show it is getting worse. If a GI tumor has spread far, treatment is usually palliative. This means it relieves symptoms and improves quality of life.
When to see a doctor
Check with your doctor if you have belly pain, diarrhea, weight loss for no known reason, yellowing of the skin, or blood in the stool. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of these tumors, especially if you have a family history of MEN I. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have a seizure, vomit blood, or have severe belly pain or pressure.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can order first blood tests and scans and help with follow-up after treatment. They can also help coordinate care with your cancer team.
Common questions
Are GI and pancreatic NETs cancer?
It depends on where the tumor is. GI NETs are cancer. Pancreatic NETs can be noncancerous or cancerous.
Do GI NETs grow fast?
No, most of them grow very slowly.
Can surgery cure these tumors?
Sometimes it can. You may be cured if a pancreatic tumor is removed by surgery before it spreads to other organs.
What is carcinoid syndrome?
Carcinoid syndrome is a group of signs that may occur if a GI neuroendocrine tumor spreads to the liver or other parts of the body. Signs include redness or warmth in the face and neck.
Sources
- NCI - Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Treatment
- NCI - Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
- MedlinePlus - Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
