A gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (or GEP-NET for short) is a rare, slow growing cancer. It involves cells which are part of the nervous system and the endocrine (hormonal) system. GEP-NET can develop in many parts of the body, but it is most commonly found in the gut.
We provide a comprehensive GEP/NET diagnosis and treatment service. If you come to the hospital you can expect:
Support - every step of the way: Our specialist nurse provides support and information for patients – from the first appointment to treatment and follow-up. The nurse is your first point of contact.
Experts working together to give you the best treatment: Specialists from different medical areas meet weekly. This is called a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) and is central to the way we work. The MDT advise, support and create treatment plans that are personalised for every patient.
Research-driven care: As a university hospital, we conduct research into neuroendocrine tumour diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We regularly publish research papers that help in the fight against GEP-NET.
A Neuroendocrine Cancer is a rare form of cancer.
This page has information about our specialist unit who test and treat this type of cancer.
Neuroendocrine tumour (GEP-NET) diagnosis
Our large, experienced team of experts provide fast diagnosis and comprehensive GEP-NET treatment. Last year over 130 patients were referred to the team.
Patients are usually referred to the team from another hospital when the doctor’s investigations indicate a neuroendocrine tumour. This is usually based on the results of an examination of a tissue sample obtained during surgery.
Other investigations may have also been performed including:
Your referral is discussed by the multi disciplinary team (MDT) at the hospital. The MDT is a group of neuroendocrine tumour specialists including: hepatobiliary surgeons, clinicians, physicians, nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists and clinical nurse specialists.
Your clinic appointment
We will see you for an appointment within four weeks of receiving the referral. You’ll receive a telephone call from a clinical nurse specialist to discuss your first clinic appointment.
At the clinic
Your appointment may take up to an hour. The specialist will take a full clinical history. This includes a physical examination. Further tests will be arranged for the next two-four weeks. These may include:
The different tests give results which – when put together – give indicators of the size of the tumour, whether the tumour has spread anywhere else and whether it is producing any hormones or not.
We would aim to complete all investigations within four weeks. However the results of some tests – like blood tests – may take up to six weeks.
Test results
The MDT review and finalise a management plan based on the results of all tests. Sometimes it's necessary to perform more diagnostic investigations before tumour management can be decided.
Please note: the MDT is there to give you expert advice; the final decision about treatment is down to you.
Your second clinic appointment
You’ll be given your test results and a tumour management plan will be discussed with you. This may involve treatment or ‘watching’ the tumour over time to see if there are any changes. Further imaging will be required at a later date.
You can find details of our clinic times below.
For more information about Neuroendocrine Tumour follow the promo box link on the left
The Nuclear Medicine team is multidisciplinary consisting of:
The members of the team are: