Progress in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor is a group of heterogeneous tumors and was considered as a rare tumor.According to the data of recent years,its incidence has been increased significantly.The clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors are varied,and serum chromogranin-A is considered the most important biomarker of both non-functioning and functioning neuroendocrine tumors.The traditional imaging examination and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy are helpful to diagnosis.Its treatments include surgery,biological treatment,radionuclide therapy and chemical therapy.The aim of this paper is to summarize briefly the clinical symptoms,diagnostic methods and treatment options of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Key words: Neuroendocrine tumors ;  Gastrointestinal tract;  Diagnosis ;  Treatment outcome