What Are Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors?

Pancreatic endocrine tumors originate from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas.

Unlike the more common pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pNETs grow slowly and may produce excess hormones, leading to unique symptoms.

They may be:

• Functional tumors – produce hormones

• Non-functional tumors – do not produce hormones but grow silently

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⭐ Types of Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors

Functional Tumors

These produce hormones and cause specific symptoms:

• Insulinoma – excess insulin → low blood sugar

• Gastrinoma – excess gastrin → severe acidity, ulcers

• Glucagonoma – high glucagon → weight loss, rashes

• VIPoma – watery diarrhea, dehydration

• Somatostatinoma – digestive and metabolic symptoms

Non-Functional Tumors

Do not produce hormones, but may grow large and cause:

• Pain

• Blockage

• Weight loss

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⭐ Risk Factors

• Genetic syndromes (MEN1, NF1, VHL)

• Family history of endocrine tumors

• Long-standing diabetes

• Obesity and inactivity

• Smoking

However, many patients have no identifiable risk factor.

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⭐ Symptoms

Symptoms depend on whether the tumor is functional or non-functional.

Functional Tumors

• Sudden low blood sugar (insulinoma)

• Repeated stomach ulcers, acidity (gastrinoma)

• Unexplained weight loss (glucagonoma)

• Persistent diarrhea (VIPoma)

• Skin rashes

• Flushing

Non-Functional Tumors

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Jaundice (if duct is blocked)

• Feeling of lump/fullness

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⭐ How Are Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors Diagnosed?

At I D Cancer Center, diagnosis follows a precise, step-by-step approach:

✔ Blood Tests

• Hormone levels (insulin, gastrin, glucagon, chromogranin A)

• Blood glucose levels

• Liver and pancreas function tests

✔ Imaging

• High-resolution CT or MRI

• MRCP for ducts

• Ga-68 DOTANOC PET-CT (gold standard for pNETs)

• Somatostatin receptor imaging

✔ Endoscopic Evaluation

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA)

✔ Biopsy

Confirms tumor type, grade, and aggressiveness.

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⭐ Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

1. Surgery (Curative for Early Tumors)

• Enucleation (small tumors)

• Distal pancreatectomy

• Whipple procedure (for head tumors)

• Lymph node clearance

2. Medical Therapy

• Somatostatin analogs (Octreotide, Lanreotide)

• Targeted therapy (Everolimus, Sunitinib)

• Chemotherapy for aggressive pNETs

3. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)

Highly effective for somatostatin-receptor positive tumors.

4. Radiotherapy

Advanced precision techniques at I D Cancer Center:

• IMRT

• VMAT / Arc Therapy

• SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy)

Used for symptom control or local disease management.

5. Palliative & Supportive Care

Focused on:

• Pain relief

• Hormonal symptom control

• Nutrition support

• Improving quality of life

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⭐ Prognosis

Pancreatic endocrine tumors generally have a better prognosis than other pancreatic cancers.

Outcome depends on:

• Tumor grade

• Stage at diagnosis

• Functional vs non-functional nature

• Response to therapy

Early detection significantly improves survival.