What is a Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor? Understanding Slow-Growing Tumors
Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS· Board-certified in Colon & Rectal Surgery and General Surgery· Published · Reviewed
The content focuses on rectal neuroendocrine tumors (rectal NETs), which are slow growing (indolent) growths starting in neuroendocrine cells. They are often found incidentally during routine colonoscopy, as most patients have no symptoms. Although sometimes called "carcinoid" tumors, their behavior is typically much less aggressive than standard colon cancer. Size is the most important factor for determining treatment and prognosis. Small tumors (under 1 cm) have an excellent prognosis (near 100% 5-year survival rate) and are usually removed during endoscopy. Medium tumors (1–2 cm) are usually treated with local excision, and large tumors (over 2 cm) require more formal surgery.
