Why choose The Wellington NET Unit?
Our Wellington NET Unit is led by a multidisciplinary team with world-beating expertise in diagnosing and treating Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
The unit was opened in 2013 in response to a growing number of NET cases presenting at The Wellington Hospital. Since then, it has gained an international reputation of excellence in this specialist area. Each patient diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour receives the highest level of support. Treatment is led by specialist doctors who work with a team of specialist NET and Oncology doctors and nurses.
Patients have immediate access to the pioneering medical care and technology needed for their treatment. We offer specialist diagnostics, such as nuclear medicine tests, which highlight tumour location and help your consultant plan the best treatment plan.
The Wellington NET Unit is led by consultant Professor Martyn Caplin, who has vast experience in neuroendocrine tumours and an international reputation for the management of neuroendocrine tumour patients.
The Net Unit multidisciplinary team
During your diagnosis and treatment your specialists will work together as a multidisciplinary team to help manage your condition. This team consists of:
- GI surgeons
- Cardiologists
- Hepatobiliary/pancreatic surgeons
- Cardiothoracic surgeons
- Oncologists
- Radiologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Nuclear medicine physicians
- Endocrinologists
- Pathologists
- Thoracic physicians
- Specialist nursing teams
What is a neuroendocrine tumour?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) develop from the cells able to make hormones and can be located anywhere in the body. NETs develop when the cells begin to grow abnormally, with common sites including the stomach, lungs, pancreas and intestine. As with all cancers, NETs grow when specialised cells change and begin to divide uncontrollably, creating abnormal masses or tumours. NETs are often slow growing, although a minority can grow aggressively. They may frequently grow without symptoms, thus diagnosis can be late with patients presenting with advanced disease. Although NETs make up around two per cent of all malignant gastroenteropancreatic system tumours, their more indolent biology means that the prevalence rate (i.e. those living with the condition) makes them more common than gastric cancer and myeloma.
Patient stories
Xochi’s cancer treatment
Xochi shares her story after treatment for a rare cancer
Meet the team
Our medical centre is supported by the expertise of leading consultants and multidisciplinary teams. Our teams are able to identify and diagnose complex conditions quickly and with accuracy.
See a consultant