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Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Optimal Outcomes and Surgical Management

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Current Controversies in Cancer Care for the Surgeon

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a specific type of neoplasm arising in tissues of neural crest origin. They commonly arise in the gastrointestinal tract because of the high density of neuroendocrine cells, and are found in the foregut (stomach, duodenum, pancreas), midgut (jejunum, ileum, appendix, proximal colon), and hindgut (distal colon, rectum). NETs are commonly termed “carcinoid” tumors if they are found to be of low grade on histology. The prognosis for NETs is variable, dependent upon tumor biology and origin. This chapter reviews specific features of NETs in each GI segment, with particular focus on factors predicting prognosis and surgical decision-making.

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Correspondence to Robert C. G. Martin II M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. .

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Spaulding, T., Martin, R.C.G. (2016). Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Optimal Outcomes and Surgical Management. In: Morgan, K. (eds) Current Controversies in Cancer Care for the Surgeon. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16205-8_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16205-8_3

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