Since you are asking these questions, @panorman3, I would suggest getting a second opinion on your surgical options. I would suggest that this second opinion come from a NET specialist. They are not usually found at your local oncologist's office. Here is a listing of NET specialists from the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation's webiste, https://www.carcinoid.org/for-patients/treatment/find-a-doctor/. Mayo Clinic has three locations and they have NET speciaists at each location. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63..

You are seeking answers and you are being proactive about your care. This is great. I hope you are able to consult with a NET specialist. I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post again and let me know how you are doing with this process?

@panorman3
Maybe the problem isn’t access — it’s the risk involved:
1. Vital blood supply runs through the mesentery
• The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) are major blood vessels supplying most of the small intestine and part of the colon.
• A tumor might be wrapped around or invading these vessels.
• Cutting it out risks infarcting (killing) large sections of intestine.
2. Lymph nodes and cancer spread
• Many cancers involving the mesentery also involve lymph nodes and are already metastatic.
• Removing all affected tissue might mean removing so much bowel that the patient ends up with short bowel syndrome (not enough intestine left to absorb nutrients).