Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor overview

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs, PETs, or PNETs), often referred to as “islet cell tumors”, or “pancreatic endocrine tumors” are neuroendocrine neoplasms that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous system within the pancreas.

PanNETs are a type of neuroendocrine tumor, representing about one third of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Many PanNETs are benign, while some are malignant. Aggressive PanNET tumors have traditionally been termed “islet cell carcinoma”.

PanNETs are quite distinct from the usual form of pancreatic cancer, the majority of which are adenocarcinomas, which arises in the exocrine pancreas. Only 1 or 2% of clinically significant pancreas neoplasms are PanNETs.