Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid tumors are slow-growing cancers that form in cells that make hormones in the lining of the stomach and intestines.
Carcinoid tumors start from cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. This system consists of cells that are like nerve cells in certain ways and like hormone-making endocrine cells in other ways. These cells don’t form an actual organ like the adrenal or thyroid glands. Instead, they are scattered throughout other organs like the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and lungs. The digestive system is large and has more neuroendocrine cells than any other part of the body. This might be why carcinoid tumors most often start in the digestive system.
Why Choose Us
In the Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors Program, our team of experts work together to provide compassionate and highly coordinated care for patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Our program includes leaders in the field who provide our patients with the highest level of care in state-of-the-art facilities. We also perform leading-edge basic scientific and clinical research, with numerous opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials.
We provide comprehensive services to patients with these cancers, including:
- Access to the latest and most sophisticated therapies tailored to their tumor
- Support services, including nutrition, complementary therapies, spiritual support, and financial help
- Survivorship programs for patients, plus resources for families and young adults
- Multidisciplinary care delivered by specialists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Learn about gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors and find information on how we support and care for people with gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors before, during, and after treatment.
The following information is from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).