Epidemiological, clinical and endoscopic characteristics of colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasms: a population-based study in the Netherlands

Background and study aims Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) account for a small number of colorectal neoplasms. Endoscopic detection is essential for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Little is known about incidence of NENs in colonoscopy populations or the relationship between clinical, endoscopic and histopathologic features. We evaluated epidemiology, endoscopic and clinical characteristics of colorectal NENs in a population-based cohort. Patients and methods Medical records of NEN cases were cross-linked with the national pathology database from January 2001 to December 2015, in South Limburg County, the Netherlands, covering four endoscopy units. Senior pathologists reviewed and classified NENs using World Health Organization 5th edition (2019) guidelines. Results The number of colorectal NEN diagnoses was stable over time with 0.6 NEN per 1.000 patients. A total of NENs were detected in 85 patients: 65 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and 20 poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Rectal NETs were usually small sessile/submucosal lesions with yellowish (lipoma-like) color. Colonic NETs were larger sessile/submucosal lesions with darker color compared to background. Colorectal NECs presented as large, dark-colored lesions with ulcerated/necrotizing areas. Conclusions Our population-based data point to a stable and low incidence of 0.6 NEN per 1,000 patients in the Netherlands. Rectal NETs mainly present as small sessile yellowish lesions. Colonic NETs present as larger and darker lesions than background mucosa and NECs as darker lesions than background with ulceration/necrosis. Standardized endoscopic characterization of colorectal NENs is necessary to improve recognition of these lesions and provide a basis for evidence-based treatment and surveillance recommendations.