Histopathology of NET: Current concepts and new developments

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Jan;30(1):33-43. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2016.02.002. Epub 2016 Feb 26.

Abstract

The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors is based on their histopathologic appearance and immunohistochemical profile. With the WHO 2010 classification formal staging and grading was introduced for gastro-entero-pancreatic NET, however, the nomenclature for lung neuroendocrine tumors still relies on the carcinoid term. In this review we also focus on the situation of neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary, tissue biomarkers and actual controversies in the histopathology of NEN.

Keywords: NEC; NET; WHO; biomarker; carcinoid; classification; grading; histopathology; immunohistochemistry; neuroendocrine tumor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / classification
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Grading / methods
  • Neoplasm Staging / methods
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / classification
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / metabolism
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor