The Outcome of Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor is an extremely rare entity. Only case reports are available in the literature. The aim of the study was to analyze the symptoms, diagnosis, management, and the outcome of patients with primary liver neuroendocrine tumors.

METHODS

In the study, a total of eight patients were diagnosed with primary liver neuroendocrine tumors between 2001 and 2017 in our center. Data were analyzed from the records available including the presentation, diagnosis, treatment received, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Of eight patients, five were males and three were females. The age of presentation was between 35 and 70 years. Two patients had pain in the right side of the abdomen, while it was accidentally detected in two patients in routine checkup. One patient presented with carcinoid syndrome, while two had ascites and one patient presented only with loose motions. Of eight patients, two patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumor died within 1 month of follow-up. Four patients are still being followed up, while 10-12 years of follow-up data are available for the remaining two patients. Four patients underwent surgery, and three patients received Sandostatin LAR for tumor recurrence after procedure. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the tumor was performed in two patients for whom resection was not possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the prognosis of the tumor seems favorable. Surgical resection is the curative treatment. TACE is a favorable option in unresectable tumors.