# A common classification framework for neuroendocrine neoplasms (IARC and WHO expert consensus)

Source: https://onco.cc/key-papers/paper-rindi-common-classification-framework-mod-pathol-2018/  
OnCo record `paper-rindi-common-classification-framework-mod-pathol-2018` (Key paper). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

This consensus proposed a uniform way of classifying neuroendocrine neoplasms at every body site, separating well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (graded 1 to 3) from poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, which became the basis of the WHO 2019 and 2022 classifications.

## Summary

Expert consensus from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and WHO proposing that neuroendocrine neoplasms across organs be divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours graded 1 to 3 by proliferation and poorly differentiated small- and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, with mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms as a third family.

## Fields

- Kind: Key paper
- Last checked: 2026-09-17
- Journal: Modern Pathology
- Year: 2018
- DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0110-y
- Authors: Rindi G, Klimstra DS, Abedi-Ardekani B, et al.
- What it means: The grade 3 neuroendocrine tumour category, treated differently from neuroendocrine carcinoma, exists because of this framework.
- Caveats: Lung neuroendocrine tumours retain older terminology (typical and atypical carcinoid) in the 2021 thoracic classification.

## Sources

- Mod Pathol 2018: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41379-018-0110-y
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30140036/

## Connected records

- cancers: [Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma](https://onco.cc/cancers/extrapulmonary-nec/), [Grade 3 well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour](https://onco.cc/cancers/grade-3-net/)

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