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Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is the umbrella term for a group of unusual, often slow-growing cancers, which develop from cells in the diffuse endocrine system. Recognized as the fastest-growing class of cancers worldwide, they are found most commonly in the lung or gastrointestinal system, but they can also originate in other parts of the body such as the pancreas, ovary and testes. This cancer is frequently misdiagnosed. Most NENs are clinically silent for many years, producing symptoms only as a consequence of growth or secretion of potent hormones. On average, patients report 5-7 years of symptoms prior to receiving the correct diagnosis. By the time a patient is correctly diagnosed the cancer has often spread to other parts of the body.

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