Carcinoid NET changed to carcinoma: What's the difference?

Posted by gig666 @gig666, Feb 2 8:52pm

Lungs Nets biopsy typical Neuroendocrine carcinoid tumours., in 2023. Oncologist refers to them now Neuroendocrine carcinoma tumors!!!! Does she have to biopsy them again for changing to carcinoma????

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

jlsgt | @jlsgt | Feb 3 9:45pm

Doctors these days define neuroendocrine carcinomas as cancers that come from neuroendocrine cells. So I don't think this is a change in your cancer, but simply a newer, more modern way of saying "Carcinoid". That term is old and seemingly out of favor now. Good luck to you.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 13 10:32am

@gig666, great question. @jlsgt is right that the term carcinoid is out of favor. Here's some information from the Neuroendocrine Cancer Research Foundation

- What is the difference: Neuroendocrine Cancer vs. Carcinoid Cancer? https://netrf.org/for-patients/newly-diagnosed/neuroendocrine-cancer-vs-carcinoid-cancer/

Excerpt:
"In most cases, the terms “carcinoid tumor” or “carcinoid cancer” are outdated ways to describe a slow-growing neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Generally speaking, the term “carcinoid” has fallen out of favor."

Here is more information about Lung NETs
- Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/neuroendocrine-tumors/types-of-neuroendocrine-tumors/lung-neuroendocrine-tumors

@gig666, it sounds like further testing "updated" or confirmed that you're dealing with carcinoma (cancer). Knowing that information helps determine what treatment will work best for you.

Have you been able to talk to your doctor about the change from carcinoid to carcinoma?