Klinik und Diagnostik neuroendokriner Neoplasien

The incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine neoplasia are still being underestimated. These neoplasia were considered to be benign in the past, however, the malignant potential is today evident and increasingly more recognized. The (early) diagnosis of these tumors requires a high degree of suspicion and knowledge of symptoms caused by the secretion of proteins and hormones. When symptoms have been recognized patients can be subjected to appropriate diagnostic procedures. Unfortunately even "typical" symptoms are often nonspecific. Excellent biochemical, endoscopic radiological options and nuclear medicine techniques are available for diagnostic purposes. A sensible combination allows early (or earlier) diagnosis, risk stratification, planning of individual therapeutic procedure and follow-up.