AbstractBackground: According to the survey data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the incidence of malignant GI-NETs is increasing, probably due to increased physician awareness and improved diagnostic techniques. The present study was undertaken to study on occurrence and spectrum of neuroendocrine neoplasms in the digestive system. Method: This hospital-based study was conducted at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore. The present study consists of 118 cases of Digestive System NENs encountered during a 10 year study period. Retrospective cases were retrieved from the registers of Histopathology and Immuno histochemistry divisions and slides were analyzed. For the prospective study, complete clinical data was obtained from the patient and clinical records. Data regarding routine laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, upper or lower GI endoscopy and peroperative findings, medical treatment and follow up data were analyzed. Result: Oesophagus was the most common site (35%), followed by the stomach (23%), small intestine (22.0%), large intestine (6.%), rectum (7%), pancreas (4.2%), one case each of appendix, gall bladder, common bile duct and metastasis to the liver. In the oesophagus, NEC was the most common diagnosis. G1 NETs were the most common NENs of the stomach, small intestine and pancreas. G2 NETs were most common in the large intestine, gall bladder, CBD, rectum & liver metastasis. Conclusion: The incidence of neoplasms is increasing because of early diagnosis by use of modern diagnostic methods and better physician awareness. Use of WHO 2010 classification helps in the classification of NENs and grading will impact the treatment and prognosis of individual patients.
Keywords: Neuroendocrine neoplasms; Digestive system; Immunohistochemistry; WHO classification.