Review
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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Apr 15, 2010; 2(4): 192-196
Published online Apr 15, 2010. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v2.i4.192
Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors: Recent insights and clinical implications
John Griniatsos, Othon Michail
John Griniatsos, Othon Michail, 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Athens, LAIKO Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma street, GR 115-27, Athens, Greece
Author contributions: Griniatsos J conceived the idea, wrote the “goblet cell carcinoma” section and was responsible for the final appearance of the manuscript; Michail O wrote the “benign and malignant appendiceal NETs” section.
Correspondence to: John Griniatsos, MD, Assistant Professor, 1st Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Athens, LAIKO Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma street, GR 115-27, Athens, Greece. johngriniatsos@yahoo.com
Telephone: +30-210-7456855 Fax: +30-210-7771195
Received: January 26, 2010
Revised: February 6, 2010
Accepted: February 13, 2010
Published online: April 15, 2010
Abstract

New insights emerged last decade that enriched our knowledge regarding the biological behavior of appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which range from totally benign tumors less than 1cm to goblet cell carcinomas which behave similarly to colorectal adenocarcinoma. The clinical implication of that knowledge reflected to surgical strategies which also vary from simple appendicectomy to radical abdominal procedures based on specific clinical and histological characteristics. Since the diagnosis is usually established post-appendicectomy, current recommendations focus on the early detection of: (1) the subgroup of patients who require further therapy; (2) the recurrence based on the chromogranin a plasma levels; and (3) other malignancies which are commonly developed in patients with appendiceal NETs.

Keywords: Appendiceal carcinoids; Neuroendocrine tumors; Goblet cell carcinoma; Right hemicolectomy