Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NETs) are rare tumors having an incidence ranging between 4 and 12 per million of population [1]. They are usually grouped based on malignancy versus benignity, cell of origin, and functional status. On account of malignancy versus benignity, histopathology cannot reliably differentiate between both categories. Distinction is based on demonstrating invasion of nearby organs, nodal, or distant metastasis, undoubtedly marking the tumor as "malignant" [2]. Neuroendocrine carcinomas are exceedingly rare with their incidence accounting for only 1.3 % of pancreatic cancers collectively. However, having a better outcome, they represent up to 10 % of prevalent pancreatic cancers [3].