Neuroendocrine tumors
1. Big picture
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are tumors arising from cells with both neural and endocrine features. They can occur in many organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lung.
The exam logic is:
NET = tumor that may secrete hormones/peptides + expresses neuroendocrine markers + often expresses somatostatin receptors.
Clinically, NETs are important because they may present in two ways:
| Presentation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Functional NET | produces a hormone syndrome: flushing, diarrhea, hypoglycaemia, ulcers, etc. |
| Non-functioning NET | no hormone syndrome; presents late with mass effect, liver metastases, abdominal pain, obstruction, or incidental imaging finding |
The most famous syndrome is carcinoid syndrome:
flushing + secretory diarrhea + bronchospasm ± right-sided valvular heart disease → serotonin-secreting NET, usually with liver metastases.
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