Pancreatic endocrine tumor

Pancreatic endocrine tumor (also known as Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, PNET, or Islet cell tumor) is a type of tumor that develops in the pancreas. These tumors are rare and can be benign or malignant. They are different from the more common pancreatic cancer that starts in the exocrine cells of the pancreas.

Types

There are several types of pancreatic endocrine tumors, including:

• Insulinoma: This is the most common type of pancreatic endocrine tumor. It produces an excess amount of insulin.
• Gastrinoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of gastrin and can lead to ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
• Glucagonoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of glucagon, which can lead to diabetes.
• Somatostatinoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of somatostatin.
• VIPoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide, which can lead to watery diarrhea.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pancreatic endocrine tumors depend on the type of hormone the tumor is producing. Some common symptoms include:

• Hypoglycemia: This can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
• Peptic ulcer: This can cause abdominal pain and bleeding.
• Diabetes: This can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.
• Diarrhea: This can cause dehydration and weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pancreatic endocrine tumors often involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI, and sometimes a biopsy to examine a sample of the tumor under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for pancreatic endocrine tumors depends on the type of tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Options may include surgery to remove the tumor, medication to manage symptoms, and targeted therapies or chemotherapy for advanced tumors.

See also

• Pancreatic cancer
• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Endocrine system

Pancreatic endocrine tumor Resources
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