Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Literature Review

Abstract

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) affect 1%-3% of patients with pancreatic cancer. This tumor is rare, difficult to diagnose, and clinically laborious. They have an estimated incidence of up to 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants every year. Up on diagnosis, most PNETs are considered malignant, with low healing potential, lesions that are generally unresectable, and a metastasis rate of aproximately 50%. PNETs are classified as functional and non-functional. The tumor functional produces hormones such as gastrin, insulin, somatostatin, glucagon, among others. They are symptomatic due to hormonal hypersecretion and occur in 30% of cases. The other 70% are non-functioning, and despite producing a series of substances and some hormones such as beta HCG and alpha HCG, they are silent tumors, with no significant clinical syndrome. The present study presented scientific evidence about PNETs, the types of pancreas endocrine-tissue tumors, the rate of survival, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis, to provide solid support to professionals, and contribute to effective decision-making in search of the best clinical outcome.