Immuno-histochemical correlation of fibrosis-related markers with the desmoplastic reaction of the mesentery in small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms.

The expression rates of four fibrosis-related markers in the primary tumor display a distinct pattern. However, the expression patterns are not associated with desmoplastic altered mesenteric lymph node metastases and the expression patterns did not correlate with prognosis. These findings suggest alternative mechanisms being responsible for the desmoplastic reaction.