Gastric neuroendocrine tumor: A practical literature review

Abstract

Gastric neuroendocrine tumors are gastric neoplasms originating from enterochromaffin type cells and are inserted in a larger group, named gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. They are considered rare and variable in terms of their clinical, morphological and functional characteristics and may be indolent or aggressive. They are classified into types I, II and III, according to their pathophysiology, behavior and treatment. Their diagnosis occurs, in most cases, incidentally during upper digestive endoscopies, presenting as simple gastric polyps. Most cases (type I and type II) are related to hypergastrinemia, can be multiple and are treated by endoscopic resection, whenever possible. The use of somatostatin analogs for tumor control may be one of the options for therapy, in addition to total or subtotal gastrectomy for selected cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy is only reserved for poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. Although rare, gastric neuroendocrine tumors have an increasing incidence over the years, therefore deserving more comprehensive studies on its adequate treatment. The present study reviews and updates management recommendations for gastric neuroendocrine tumors.

Keywords: Gastric neuroendocrine tumor; Gastroenteropancreatic tumor; Hypergastrinemia; Gastric carcinoid; Endoscopic resection

Core tip: Gastric neuroendocrine tumors are rare lesions that are part of the gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors group. They are classified into types I, II and III according to their clinical and pathophysiological characteristics. Their diagnosis is usually made incidentally by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and most cases are treated by endoscopic resection. Surgical resections, as well as somatostatin analog treatments, are reserved for selected cases. Although rare, gastric neuroendocrine tumors need further research as their incidence has increased over the years.