Author/Editor		Luzar, Boštjan; Cerar, Anton; Ferlan-Marolt, Vera
Title		Endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract
Type		članek
Source		Gastroenterolog
Vol. and No.		Letnik 8, št. Suppl 2
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 177-81
Language		eng
Abstract		Baekground. The basis for relevant histopathological classification of gastrointestinal endocrine tumours is the combination of morphological, clinical and functional properties of these neoplasms. Aims. The new WHO classification of gastrointestinal endocrine tumours will be presented, with special emphasis on general diagnostic principles and site-specific differences. Discussion. The new WHO classification of gastrointestinal endocrine tumours is founded on the following principles: a) uniform classification is used for all gastrointestinal sites; b) to achieve a prognostically relevant classification, endocrine tumours are further subdivided according to the site of origin and morphological/biological characteristics; and c) clinical data, especially associated hyperfunctional syndromes, are incorporated into histopathological classification of gastrointestinal endocrine tumours as an integral part. Three main groups of gastrointestinal endocrine tumours are: 1) well-differentiated endocrine tumours, 2) well-differentiated endocrine carcinomas and 3) poorly-differentiated endocrine carcinomas. Conclusions. Only by incorporating site of origin, morphological features, immuno-histochemical demonstration of endocrine trait and hormonal production, so as the presence or absence of hyperfunctional syndromes into the histopathological classification, will we be able to characterise an endocrine tumour, predict its biological behaviour and provide foundation for successful treatment.
Descriptors		GASTROINTESTINAL NEOPLASMS NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS STOMACH NEOPLASMS DUODENAL NEOPLASMS INTESTINAL NEOPLASMS NEOPLASM STAGING APPENDICEAL NEOPLASMS WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION