Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs)

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs) are rare growths that develop from hormone-producing islet cells in the pancreas. They may be functional, meaning they release hormones and cause symptoms, or nonfunctional, meaning they grow silently for a long time. Because of this, some PNETs are found only after they become large enough to cause abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, or other digestive problems. Functional tumors can trigger hormone-related issues such as low blood sugar, ulcers, diarrhea, or flushing, depending on the hormone involved.

These tumors can be benign or malignant, and their behavior often depends on size, grade, and whether they have spread. Treatment commonly includes surgery when possible, while advanced or unresectable cases may need medicines, targeted therapy, or other cancer-directed treatments. Early diagnosis is important because many PNETs grow more slowly than typical pancreatic cancers, which can improve management options.