NETs in the GI System
Although "GEP-NET" is sometimes used as a catch-all term, the location of your NET can matter. Because of this, you may frequently see some other terms used to describe a NET depending on its location.
Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor
NETs can start in different parts of your digestive system, called the GI system. These are often called gastrointestinal NETs, or GI NETs.
A GI NET is different from other tumors of the GI tract because, like other NETs, it forms from the cells of your neuroendocrine system.
The GI system includes the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum.
What you should know
A NET may have spread before being discovered because sometimes a NET:
Is hard to find until it has grown or spread
Doesn't cause symptoms until it has grown or spread
Causes symptoms that make it seem like other diseases, so it may take longer to be correctly diagnosed
A nonfunctional NET in your GI tract may still cause symptoms, such as pain or bloating, as the tumor grows.