Definition
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms with a broad range of morphologic patterns, grade of differentiation, and biological behavior that share common features of neuroendocrine (NE) programming. NETs contain various amounts of molecules involved in the regulated release of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and hormones, and may be associated with hypersecretory syndromes or be nonfunctioning.
Most NETs originate from the disseminated/diffuse NE system (DES) and are of endodermal (foregut, midgut, and hindgut) derivation. The gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) DES comprises numerous NE cell types producing different hormones and biogenic amines. NETs occur in a variety of topographic locations, with a predilection of the gut, the pancreas, and the lung. Other primary organs include the skin, salivary glands, and prostate and various sites in the urinary, genital, and biliary tracts. A second group of NETs develops in NE glands such as adenohypophysis, parathyroid, adrenal...
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Schmitt-Graeff, A. (2011). Neuroendocrine Tumors. In: Schwab, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-16483-5_4032
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