Diagnostic work-up of digestive endocrine tumors [Work-up diagnostico nei tumori endocrini digestivi]

Diagnostic approach to digestive endocrine tumors mainly depends on the site of the primary tumor. Endoscopy, together with endoscopic ultrasonography, plays a crucial role for diagnosis and treatment of both gastric and colorectal tumors. For pancreatic tumors, multislices helical CT, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, together with MRI, bone scintigraphy and endoscopic ultrasound are usually required. Promising findings are emerging from the use of video-capsule endoscopy and position emission tomography to detect small bowel tumors. Histological evaluation of tumor tissue is crucial for the management of these tumors.