Neuroendocrine tumors of the small bowel: a literature review.

Neuroendocrine cancer, often known as a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) or neuroendocrine neoplasm, originates from the specialized cells of the neuroendocrine system. These cells have characteristics that are indicative of both endocrine cells and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine tumors mostly arise inside the gastrointestinal tract, with the large intestine accounting for 20% of cases, followed by the small intestine (19%) and the appendix (4%). In order to provide a comprehensive literature review of neuroendocrine tumors that start from the small bowel, the used methodology included performing a thorough investigation of the primary attributes of NETs by using renowned academic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus and Academic Oxford Journals. The findings were classified into four distinct groups: a) genetics, epidemiology and pathology; b) clinical aspects; c) paraclinical aspects; d) treatment and prognosis. Although there is a possibility of encountering both local and systemic complications, nevertheless, it is important to note that neuroendocrine tumors are associated with rather positive survival rates in the long run (five-year and ten-year survival, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]