Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gallbladder: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment

Chunyuan Niu, Shupeng Wang, Qingchun Guan, Xuekang Ren, Bai Ji and Yahui Liu

Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, China
These authors contributed equally to this manuscript

^*Correspondance to: Yahui Liu 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2561

Abstract

Aim and Background: The unique heterogeneous tumor originating from the neuroendocrine cells and the peptide-capable neurons is defined as the Gallbladder Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (GBNEN). GB-NEN accounts for only 0.5% of all Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) and 2.1% of all gallbladder tumors. The aim of this study is to present an up-to-date review of clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the gallbladder. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using leading medical journal citation databases (including PubMed, Wiley Online Library and Springer Link Science) in order to identify all pertinent studies published. Results: At present, the pathogenesis of GB-NEN is not clear, and furthermore, the typical clinical manifestations are lacking specificity, particularly as seen in the laboratory examinations. Additionally, the imaging examination provides difficulty in distinguishing GB-NEN from other gallbladder diseases. Even though treatment, like chemo radiotherapy helps to prolong progressionfree survival, surgery is the best option. Since the disease is rarely seen in clinical practice, only a few studies are available for review. Conclusion: GB-NEN is a relatively rare gallbladder lesion and is often reported as a case study. Therefore, early detection, correct diagnosis and reasonable treatment of such tumors will aid in prolonging the quality of life of patients.

Keywords

Neuroendocrine tumor; Gallbladder; Pathological classification; Clinical features; Diagnosis

Cite the article

Niu C, Wang S, Guan Q, Ren X, Ji B, Liu Y. Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gallbladder: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment. Clin Surg. 2019; 4: 2561..