Management of small bowel neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are increasing in incidence and are now the most common primary malignancies of the small intestine. Despite this increase, the vague presentation and slow growth of these tumors lead to long delays in diagnosis, and many patients present with metastases. Patients with metastatic small bowel NETs have a favorable disease prognosis, particularly when contrasted with other GI malignancies, and benefit from aggressive, multimodal therapy. During the past decade, the options for the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel NETs have increased considerably. This review provides a practical framework for the physician who seek to understand the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of small bowel NETs.