Abstract

Neuroendocrine neoplasms can arise at multitude of sites as they originate from neuroendocrine cells of diffuse endocrine system. Tumor markers aid in suspecting this entity and immunohistochemistry provides definitive diagnosis. All imaging modalities have their own place. Computed tomography and MRI are helpful in anatomical localisation of these tumors. However, many a times these tumors are small and slow growing and hence localisation is difficult. Scintigraphy provides functional characteristics of the tumors increasing the specificity in addition to sensitivity with whole body scans. Radionuclide methods have evolved over the years with development of new radiotracer molecules. Present series illustrates the evaluation of NET group of tumors using SPECT as well as PET imaging agents as they became available in clinical practice. Attempt has been made to present as much data as possible including histological photomicrographs in several cases.

Keywords: NET; Pheochromocytoma; Carcinoid; Gastrinoma; Insulinoma; DOTA; Somatostatin receptor analogue