A Rare but Aggressive Malignancy: A Case Report of a Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor (GNET)

Cureus. 2023 Jul 7;15(7):e41509. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41509. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (GNETs) are extremely rare and intriguing malignancies originating from neural crest cells in the digestive tract. The digestive tract's neural crest cells can give rise to incredibly unusual and interesting gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (GNETs). GNETs present considerable hurdles in diagnosis and management because of their rarity and varied expression. In this case report, a 45-year-old male patient is described who had signs of GNET, such as exhaustion, weight loss, and abdominal pain. A 7-cm jejunum tumor and related thickening of the gut wall were discovered using imaging investigations. The diagnosis of malignant GNET was confirmed by surgical resection, and adjuvant treatment was given. A recurring tumor required a second surgical procedure despite an initial disease-free period. The report emphasizes the difficulties involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term effects of GNETs. The rarity of GNETs necessitates the development of standardized treatment protocols as well as additional research to enhance diagnostic precision and explore novel therapeutic approaches for this aggressive malignancy.

Keywords: aggressive tumor; gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor; gnet; malignancy; malignant neuroectodermal tumor of gastrointestinal tract; neuroendocrine tumor; rare gastric tumor; surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports