Endoscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Abstract

Abstract Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI NETs) are considered rare neoplasms that arise from enterochromaffin cells which form a part of the neuroendocrine cell system present throughout the GI tract. Although considered a rare tumor, its prevalence has increased significantly in recent years owing to the increase in the number of endoscopic evaluations, advanced imaging modalities, and greater detection of the entity by pathologists. The role of an endoscopist remains pivotal in diagnosing and managing GI NETs, ranging from tumor detection, sampling, characterization, and staging which forms the basis of oncological evaluation, particularly of those involving the stomach, duodenum, and colorectum. Endoscopic therapy can provide curative resection of tumors and surveillance scopies in a minimally invasive fashion owing to lesser patient morbidity. Our review aims to provide an overview of the role of the gastroenterologist in diagnosing and managing GI NETs.