A retrospective clinico-pathological analysis of neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Aim: Gastrointestinal tract is the commonest site for neuroendocrine tumors. Appendix, ileum and rectum were considered to be common sites for these tumors. However, there has been change in pattern of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors over last few years. There is limited data available on epidemiology and patterns of these tumors in India.

Methods: Analysis of 74 patients with gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors over a period of 7 years at a single center in Mumbai, India was done. Clinical details, surgical outcome with follow up and treatment were reviewed. All these patients were analyzed with special emphasis on the site of the tumor.

Results: The results showed a male preponderance (ratio of 2.5:1) with a mean age of 53.01 +/- 15.13 years. Of the 74 tumors, the commonest site was found to be stomach 22 (30.2%), followed by pancreas 17 (23.3%) and duodenum 14 (18.9%). Only 3 (4.1%) patients presented with carcinoid syndrome. The disease was localized in 46 (62.2%), regional spread was seen in 14 (18.9%) and distant spread in 14 (18.9%). Majority of gastric and duodenal tumors had localized disease while pancreatic NETs led to most of the cases with distant disease.

Conclusion: This analysis showed that gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are not rare. Pattern of these tumors has definitely changed over last few years. Stomach was found to be commonest site for gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors followed by pancreas and duodenum.