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Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors in the Rectum
Source: Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: February 20, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.
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Treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine tumors in the rectum may include:
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Endoscopic surgery (resection) for tumors that are smaller than 1 centimeter.
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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:
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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 (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 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:
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.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice