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Precision Medicine
What is pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
26 January 2026
This refers to a group of rare cancerous tumors that originate in the islet cells (pancreatic cells responsible for hormone production).
There are two general types of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs):
- Functional: When the affected cells continue to produce hormones, causing an excessive level of these in the body. The most common functional types are glucagonoma and gastrinoma.
- Non-functional: When the cancerous cells stop producing hormones.
Although the cause of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors is unknown, it is understood that they begin to develop due to a genetic abnormality in the islet cells, which start to multiply uncontrollably, accumulating and leading to the formation of tumors capable of metastasizing and spreading to other body areas.
Certain hereditary disorders have been identified as potential risks for developing Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors, such as:
- Neurofibromatosis
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Signs and symptoms Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Occasionally, these types of tumors can be asymptomatic, but when symptoms do manifest, they include the following:
- Lack of energy
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Digestive problems
- Diarrhea episodes
- Weight loss
- Rash
- Gastric ulcers
- Constipation difficulties
- Abdominal cramps
- Back pain
- Jaundice
- Low blood glucose levels
- Heartburn episodes
- Diabetes
Diagnosis and treatment Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
The doctor will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, then perform a physical examination and request various studies such as:
- Blood and urine tests
- Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Tissue Biopsy
The course of treatment will depend on the type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, its size, and its stage of advancement, but it generally includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and targeted medication.
Our Cancer Center, since its inauguration in 2009, offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments on par with the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for the oncology patient.
Specialists Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Related centers and departments Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Sources:
- tmcaz.com
- stjude.org
- cancer.org
- cancer.net
- cancer.gov
- neurologia.com
- nicklauschildrens.org
- mayoclinic.org
- medigraphic.com
- Sánchez-Cifuentes Á, Candel-Arenas MF, Luján-Martínez D, et al. Tumores neuroendocrinos pancreáticos. Nuestra experiencia. Cir Cir. 2019;87(1):88-91.
- Copo JJA, Sardiñas PR. Tumor pancreático no funcionante en paciente de 18 años. Revista Cubana de Cirugía. 2015;54(3):263-267.
- Andrade-Bucio JA, Andrade-Bucio AF, Hernández-Velázquez EU, et al. Tumores neuroendocrinos de páncreas debutando como ampuloma: reporte de un caso y revisión del abordaje diagnóstico actual. Cir Gen. 2012;34(4):286-294.
Se trata de un conjunto de tumoraciones cancerosas de escasa incidencia que se originan en las células de los islotes (células pancreáticas encargadas de la producción hormonal).
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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