| Theme |
Guidebook of Pathology for Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists ; Including Special Stains and Immunohistochemistry |
| Title |
Pathological Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Tract Neuroendocrine Cell Tumors |
| Author |
Ken Nishikura |
Division of Molecular and Functional Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| Author |
Yoichi Ajioka |
Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| Author |
Gen Watanabe |
Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| Author |
Takehiko Enomoto |
Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences / Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| [ Summary ] |
Neuroendocrine cell tumors in gastrointestinal tract are diagnosed on the basis of typical histological findings and confirmed by diffuse positive reactions to neuroendocrine cell markers. A combination of markers with different specificity and sensitivity is recommended. Histologically and biologically, the tumors should be divided into two groups : 1) carcinoids, with low grade malignancy, and 2) endocrine cell carcinoma (synonymous with small cell carcinoma), with high grade malignancy. Atypical carcinoids, which have increased histological atypia as compared to classical carcinoids, display different biological behavior from endocrine cell carcinoma. Ki-67 (MIB 1) immunostain and p 53-protein immunostain are useful to distinguish these tumors from one another. |