Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors in the Rectum

For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.

Treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine tumors in the rectum may include the following:

• Endoscopic surgery (resection) for tumors that are smaller than 1 centimeter.
• Surgery (resection) for tumors that are larger than 2 centimeters or that have spread to the muscle layer of the rectal wall. This may be either:
  • surgery to remove part of the rectum; or
  • surgery to remove the anus, the rectum, and part of the colon through an incision made in the abdomen.

It is not clear what the best treatment is for tumors that are 1 to 2 centimeters. Treatment may include the following:

• Endoscopic surgery (resection).
• Surgery (resection) to remove part of the rectum.
• Surgery (resection) to remove the anus, the rectum, and part of the colon through an incision made in the abdomen.

Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.