Penn Gastroenterology offers one of the only dedicated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) programs in the country to treat gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PHEOs/PARAs).
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), form from cells that release hormones in response to a signal from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors are often small and can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
One type of NET, carcinoid tumors, most commonly develops in the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, appendix and colon. These tumors called gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PHEOs/PARAs), are rare, typically slow to develop and difficult to diagnose. Early diagnosis and successful management depends largely on physician experience and expertise as well as advanced imaging and laboratory facilities.
At Penn Gastroenterology, our team of specialists includes gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons who work together to provide a diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to the needs of every patient. Our program is the first and only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region. Our program features genetic testing, a dedicated nurse coordinator and tumor board review of cases.
Learn more about our Neuroendocrine Tumor Program at the Abramson Cancer Center.