Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) are neoplasms that originate from aggregates of endocrine cells present in various organs, most frequently the intestine, stomach, pancreas or lungs. 

These are relatively rare tumors that represent less than 0.5% of all malignant tumors, although the diagnosis of NET has increased in recent years thanks to the widespread use of radiological and endoscopic techniques. 

It is estimated that in Italy there are 4-5 new cases / year for every 100,000 people, for a total of about 2,700 new diagnoses.  

NETs are characterized by a wide variability of behavior. In many cases, neuroendocrine tumors show slow growth and are not very aggressive; however, sometimes they can grow rapidly and behave in a malignant way, also giving rise to distant metastases.