Neuroendocrine tumours in rare sites: differences in nomenclature and diagnostics-a rare and ubiquitous histotype

J Clin Pathol. 2016 Jul;69(7):563-74. doi: 10.1136/jclinpath-2015-203551. Epub 2016 Feb 25.

Abstract

The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours in typical sites, as gastrointestinal tract and lung, is based upon well-coded criteria that have become familiar to most of the pathologists. Much more difficult is the recognition and allocation of proper nomenclature to be referred to the same histotype in locations where these tumours have a lower incidence. The aim of our review was to provide a quick handbook of the main diagnostic pitfalls known in literature that can interpose in the histopathological examination of neuroendocrine tumours in rare sites (urinary system and male genital organs, female genital organs, head and neck and breast).

Keywords: DIAGNOSTICS; KI 67; Neuroendocrine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / classification
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / classification
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / classification
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Urogenital Neoplasms / classification
  • Urogenital Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Urogenital Neoplasms / pathology