title: Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors.
abstract: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are slow-growing neoplasms capable of storing and secreting different peptides and neuroamines. Some of these substances cause specific symptom complexes, whereas others are silent. They usually have episodic expression, and the diagnosis is often made at a late stage. Although considered rare, the incidence of NETs is increasing. For these reasons, a high index of suspicion is needed. In this article, the different clinical syndromes and the pathophysiology of each tumor as well as the new and emerging biochemical markers and imaging techniques that should be used to facilitate an early diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes and Neuroendocrine Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA. Electronic address: vinikai@evms.edu.
authors.forename: Aaron I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Vinik
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes and Neuroendocrine Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA.
authors.forename: Celine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chaya
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006728:Hormones
keywords: Biomarkers; Diagnosis; GEP-NETs; PNETs; Syndromes and their tumors