Gastric neuroendocrine cancer (also called gastric neuroendocrine tumor, or gastric NET) is a rare type of stomach cancer that starts in neuroendocrine cells within the stomach lining. These cells produce hormones that help regulate digestion.
Type 1 is the most common. These are associated with atrophic gastritis and an overproduction of gastrin (hypergastrinaemia). These are small polyps (less than 1–2 cm) that are sometimes found during a gastroscopy. These polyps may not be cancerous, but they may recur. They can be removed and a regular follow-up plan put in place. Long-term use of proton pump
inhibitors (anti-acid medications) for gastric reflux or dyspepsia may increase risk of this type of Neuroendocrine Cancer.
These are uncommon and may occur as part of an inherited condition
known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1): when excessive secretion of the hormone gastrin by a tumour (gastrinoma) causes overproduction of stomach acid. This is known as Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. These tumours in the stomach are often small and are often simply monitored with endoscopic ultrasound.
These uncommon tumours are often larger (>2 cm) and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasise). They need to be surgically removed.
Type 4 is a very rare type of gastric Neuroendocrine Cancer and is the most difficult to treat.
Tumours are often large and may have spread (metastasised) at diagnosis.
Our NET Nurses are here to help support you from diagnosis to treatment, and living well with NETs.
Free and confidential, our NET nurses are available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (AEDT).
