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Pancreatic NETs

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OVERVIEW

Pancreatic NETs

About 7% of NETs occur in the pancreas. Pancreatic NETs are sometimes called pNETs.

WHERE IS THE PANCREAS?

The pancreas is in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. It has two essential functions:

  • Produce enzymes that break down food in the small intestine (exocrine cells)
  • Produce hormones that regulate blood sugar, the movement of the gut, and acid production (endocrine cells)

SYMPTOMS OF PNETS

Some pNETs may not cause any signs or symptoms. But pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors may overproduce hormones and cause a range of symptoms, depending on the hormone. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Skin rash
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Hypoglycemia

 

  • Abdominal pain
  • Digestive problems
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Weight changes
  • Jaundice

RISK FACTORS FOR PNETS

Most pNETS do not appear to be inherited but some risk factors can run in families. A few different syndromes can increase a person’s risk of developing pNETs, including:

  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
  • Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease
  • Tuberous sclerosis complex
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)

Having one of these risk factors does not mean you will develop a NET; it simply increases the likelihood.

PNET vs. pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer is not the same as “pancreatic cancer,” which usually refers to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Though they occur in the same organ, these are two different types of cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine cancer differ in terms of cause, symptoms, tests, and treatments.

PANCREATIC ADENOCARCINOMA

  • Starts in the exocrine cells
  • More common (more than 90%)
  • Poorer prognosis

PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR (PNET)

  • Starts in the endocrine cells
  • Less common (approximately 7%)
  • Better prognosis

NET SITEs

Learn more about these NET sites.

NETs can occur throughout the body, but most commonly form in the GI tract, pancreas, lungs and adrenal glands.

GI Tract

Pancreas

Lung

Adrenal

Liver Mets

Tumor Sites Overview