Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract
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abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (G1 NETs) are named after the product they secrete; however, some tumors can produce multiple neuroendocrine substances. GI NETs are rare in dogs and cats. Insulinoma and gastrinoma are the most common GI NETs. They usually occur in middle-aged to old animals, and both tend to metastasize. For most of the neuroendocrine substances no species specific assays are available, therefore the diagnosis of Gl NETs can be difficult. Routine imaging methods are rather unsuccessful in diagnosing or localizing the tumors. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Symptomatic treatment should be instituted, if surgical therapy is not possible. Further investigations are necessary before the use of therapeutics like Somatostatin and chemotherapy can be recommended. The prognosis is dependent upon successful localization and removal of the tumor and concurrent metastases. Nevertheless, long-term prognosis remains grave.
