CELL BIOLOGY, CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL PROFILE, AND CLASSIFICATION OF GASTRO-ENTEROPANCREATIC ENDOCRINE TUMORS

Recent developments in the field of endocrine cell biology and patholo gy at both morphological and molecular levels are briefly outlined and discussed as a basis for endocrine tumor characterization. The main t ools available for identifying the endocrine nature of the tumors, the ir pathogenetic interpretation, and experimental reproduction with spe cial emphasis on tumor antecedents are reported. Based on this, classi fications of endocrine tumors of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tra ct are developed. covering most clinical (hyperfunctional syndromes in cluded), pathological, and biological patterns, with special emphasis on tumor prognosis.