Well-differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors
Image Description
Clinical Features: Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (WDNETs) of gallbladder and bile ducts are exceedingly rare (<1% of all WDNETs of GI tract). They are not associated with Carcinoid syndrome, and often discovered incidentally in cholecystectomies or present with non-specific abdominal symptoms. The mean age at diagnosis is 60 years with a slight female predilection. A small percentage are associated with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, MEN type I, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
WDNETs of the biliary tract are indolent tumors that can remain clinically silent if small. Their prognosis is similar to the WDNETs elsewhere in the GI tract. Tumors > 2 cm have worse prognosis due to greater risk of extension into the liver and distant metastasis. This image of a WDNET of gallbladder shows solid sheets and nests of a homogenous population of tumor cells separated by delicate fibrous trabeculae.
WDNETs of the biliary tract are indolent tumors that can remain clinically silent if small. Their prognosis is similar to the WDNETs elsewhere in the GI tract. Tumors > 2 cm have worse prognosis due to greater risk of extension into the liver and distant metastasis. This image of a WDNET of gallbladder shows solid sheets and nests of a homogenous population of tumor cells separated by delicate fibrous trabeculae.