[Neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive tract and the pancreas].

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) originate from hormone-producing cells and may appear in any organ. Approximately 230 NET tumors are detected in Finland annually. NET tumors of the digestive tract and the pancreas can be detected accidentally in emergency surgery, after years of abdominal symptoms, or based on symptoms caused by the hormones produced. Basic investigations include determination of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in 24-hour urine sample and plasma chromogranin, as well as gamma-imaging of somatostatin receptors. A treatment plan is devised on the basis of the pathologic-anatomic classification of the tumor. Surgery and drug therapy are first-line treatments. Targeted radiation therapy has also appeared promising.