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Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the genitourinary tract in adults: cross-sectional imaging spectrum

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Abstract

Neuroendocrine (NE) neoplasms of the genitourinary (GU) tract in adults are rare tumors with distinct histopathology and variable biological behavior and imaging findings. They may be primary or metastatic in origin. The spectrum of primary GU tract NE neoplasms includes carcinoid, small cell carcinoma, large cell NE carcinoma, and paraganglioma. The tumors commonly show positivity to specific immunohistochemical markers and characteristic dense-core granules at the ultra-structural level. Although imaging findings are nonspecific and accurate differentiation from the more common malignancies of the individual organs is not possible, cross-sectional imaging modalities play an important role in the diagnosis, staging, and surveillance of these tumors. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (octreotide scan) may be useful in the detection and treatment of metastatic disease in select patients. Knowledge of the various NE tumors of the adult GU tract and familiarity with their pathological and imaging findings permit optimal patient management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Venkata S. Katabathina

  2. Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Raghu Vikram & Srinivasa R. Prasad

  3. Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Raj Mohan Paspulati

  4. Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Atif Zaheer

  5. University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA

    Adeniran Olaoya

  6. Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Marlo M. Nicolas

  7. Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Priya Rao

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  1. Venkata S. Katabathina
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Correspondence to Venkata S. Katabathina.

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Katabathina, V.S., Vikram, R., Olaoya, A. et al. Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the genitourinary tract in adults: cross-sectional imaging spectrum. Abdom Radiol 42, 1472–1484 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-016-1012-4

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