Key Points about Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs)
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors – or PNETs – are a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the pancreas that produce hormones.
- Doctors use imaging tests, biopsy, blood tests, urine tests and physical exams to diagnose PNETs.
- Treatment for PNETs may include surgery, targeted therapy and/or chemotherapy.
Overview
The pancreas is an organ located in the lower part of your stomach. The pancreas releases enzymes for the digestive process and produces hormones that enable your body to regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors – or PNETs – are a type of cancer that affects the hormone-producing (islet) cells of the pancreas. PNETs are also known as islet cell cancers, and they are very rare.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor causes
PNETs occur when the islet cells of the pancreas develop mutations (changes) to their DNA, and then those abnormal cells multiply out of control.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk for developing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors include:
- Being male
- Having a family history of PNETs
- Having multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1)
- Having Recklinghausen’s disease (neurofibromatosis 1)
- Having tuberous sclerosis
- Having von Hippel-Lindau disease
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin)
- Low blood sugar
- Muscle cramps
- Heartburn
- Pain in your back or abdomen
- Skin rash
- Stomach ulcers
- Unintentional weight loss
- Weakness
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor treatment
Your oncologist may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose this condition:
- Physical exam – your doctor will perform a complete physical exam, including asking questions about your health history, symptoms and related risk factors.
- Biopsy – in this test, your doctor removes a biopsy (small sample) from the suspicious area. This sample is sent to the laboratory, where a specialist closely checks the biopsy for cancer.
- Blood test – your doctor sends a sample of your blood to the laboratory for close analysis. Lab technicians can determine if certain tumor markers are present in your blood.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan – this type of imaging test provides a 3D image of the inside of the body that your doctor can use to determine the size and location of the cancer.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – this type of imaging test uses high-powered magnets to create detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor can closely examine these images to determine the size and location of the cancer.
- Urine tests – your doctor sends a sample of your urine to the laboratory for close analysis. Lab technicians can determine if certain substances are present in your urine that can indicate that you may have a PNET.
When should I seek care?
If you experience any of these symptoms, start by voicing your concerns and symptoms to your primary care provider. From there, your doctor may suggest seeing an oncologist for more specialized treatment.