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©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Oncol. Jan 10, 2011; 2(1): 28-43
Published online Jan 10, 2011. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i1.28
Published online Jan 10, 2011. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i1.28
Imaging of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Eik Hock Tan, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore
Cher Heng Tan, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
Author contributions: Tan EH contributes to functional imaging sections; Tan CH contributes to anatomic imaging sections.
Correspondence to: Dr. Eik Hock Tan, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore. andrew.tan@singhealth.com.sg
Telephone: +65-63265767 Fax: +65-62240938
Received: July 19, 2010
Revised: October 20, 2010
Accepted: October 27, 2010
Published online: January 10, 2011
Revised: October 20, 2010
Accepted: October 27, 2010
Published online: January 10, 2011
Abstract
Imaging of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors can be broadly divided into anatomic and functional techniques. Anatomic imaging determines the local extent of the primary lesion, providing crucial information required for surgical planning. Functional imaging, not only determines the extent of metastatic disease spread, but also provides important information with regard to the biologic behavior of the tumor, allowing clinicians to decide on the most appropriate forms of treatment. We review the current literature on this subject, with emphasis on the strengths of each imaging modality.
Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, Neuroendocrine tumor, Positron emission tomography, Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy