NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS: THE CURRENT STATE OF THE PROBLEM (literature review)

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are among the relatively rare neoplasms and represent a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms with diverse morphology. Cases of NET in various organs have been described: the central nervous system, respiratory tract, larynx, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, skin, mammary gland, and genitourinary system. According to various authors, NET accounts for about 0.5% of all newly diagnosed malignancies. In clinical practice, there is an increase in the frequency of NET detection, significant difficulties in their early recognition and treatment. CT scans, endoscopic examination, scintigraphy, positron emission tomography, and the study of biochemical markers are used to diagnose NET. The identification of the carcinoid syndrome accompanying NET is informative. The presence of carcinoid syndrome resulting from hypersecretion of amines and peptides often facilitates the diagnosis of NET. Surgical treatment remains the main method of treating localized forms of NET. Somatostatin analogues, interferon alpha, targeted drugs, and chemotherapy are used as standards for the drug treatment of NET.