Neuroendocrine tumours

Question 1

What are neuroendocrine cells?

Answer 1

Cells that receive input from neurotransmitters to release hormones into the bloodstream

Question 2

What are GEP-NETs?

Answer 2

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

Question 3

Where do GEP-NETs originate?

Answer 3

tubular GI tract and the pancreas

Question 4

What are the risk facts fro GEP-NETs?

Answer 4

genetic e.g. MEN1, von hippel landau disease, neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis complex

Question 5

What are the clinical features of GEP-NETs?

Answer 5

non specific e.g. abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bowel obstruction ,weight loss, inherited disorder symptoms,

Question 6

What is Carcinoid syndrome?

Answer 6

metastasis of a carcinoid tumour can cause oversevretion of bioactive mediators like serotonin, prostaglandins and gastrin, causing flushing, abdominal pain, wheezing, diarrhoea and palpitations

Question 7

What specific levels should be checked if GEP-NETs are suspected?

Answer 7

Chromogranin A and 5 HIAA levels

Question 8

What imaging is required for GEP-NETs?

Answer 8

endoscopy or CT enteroclysis (if small bowel) if there are Mets then somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is needed

Question 9

What is the management for GEP-NETs?

Answer 9

surgery, resected (endoscopically or gastrectomy, colectomy etc) and liver mets resected