Clinicopathological profile as a basis for classification of the endocrinetumours of the gastroenteropancreatic tract

Recent developments in the field of endocrine cell biology and pathology, a t both morphologic and molecular levels, are briefly outlined and discussed as a basis for endocrine tumour characterization. The main clinicopatholog ical tools available for the identification and characterization of endocri ne tumours are discussed. Based on this, classifications of endocrine tumou rs of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract are developed covering most c linical (hyperfunctional syndromes included), pathologic and biological pat terns and with special emphasis on tumour prognosis.