Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are less common tumours with biology and treatment that differ from the more common gastrointestinal cancers.
Neuroendocrine tumours
NETs can arise in the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract and vary greatly in behaviour. Assessment may include specialised imaging, pathology review and multidisciplinary input. Surgery can be important for selected localised disease and in some more complex situations.
GIST
GISTs arise from specialised cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment can include surgery and targeted drug therapy depending on the site, size, pathology and extent of disease.