A pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, often shortened to pancreatic NET or pNET, starts in the endocrine cells of the pancreas. These cells normally make hormones such as insulin. Pancreatic NETs differ from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the more common pancreatic cancer arising from exocrine cells. Information about one should not automatically be applied to the other. NCI: What are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
Functional and nonfunctional tumors
A functional pancreatic NET releases hormones that cause a recognizable clinical syndrome. Examples include insulinomas, which can cause low blood sugar, and gastrinomas, which can cause excess stomach acid. A nonfunctional pancreatic NET does not cause a hormone-excess syndrome. Nonfunctional does not mean harmless: the tumor can still grow or spread. These labels describe hormone-related activity, not stage or grade. NCI: Pancreatic NET types
Symptoms can vary
Some pancreatic NETs cause no early symptoms. Others cause abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or jaundice. Hormone-related symptoms depend on the hormone involved. For example, low blood sugar may cause shakiness, sweating, or confusion, while excess gastrin can cause ulcers and diarrhea. These symptoms also have other possible causes and need medical assessment. NCI: Pancreatic NET signs and symptoms
What the evaluation may include
Tests may include CT or MRI, selected hormone measurements, endoscopic ultrasound, and a tissue sample. Their purpose is to identify the tumor and understand its extent and biology. Genetic counseling may also be appropriate in some circumstances, such as a suggestive family history or multiple pancreatic NETs. Ask whether inherited-risk testing is relevant to your situation. NCI: Pancreatic NET diagnosis and staging
Treatment begins with the details
The plan depends on the tumor's location, grade, stage, hormone effects, and other clinical factors. Selected small, low-grade tumors may be monitored on a structured schedule. Other situations may call for surgery or additional treatments. Monitoring is a planned medical approach, not a reason to skip follow-up. NCI: Treating pancreatic NETs
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & further reading
- NCI: What are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
- NCI: Pancreatic NET signs and symptoms
- NCI: Pancreatic NET diagnosis and staging
- NCI: Treating pancreatic NETs
Cited organizations have not endorsed this website. A linked source does not mean its authors reviewed this guide.
Something unclear or out of date?
Send a question or correctionInclude the page title and source, if available. Please do not send medical records or personal health details.