Are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors serious?
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
The severity of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors depends on their type. If it is a non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, it generally does not cause obvious symptoms and is usually not serious. However, if it is a functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, it is typically more serious and may cause symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, or abdominal pain, and even complications like pancreatic pseudocysts.
In general, the severity of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors depends on their type. If it is a non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, it is usually not serious; otherwise, it can be serious. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Not serious
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are heterogeneous tumors originating from pluripotent stem cells of the neuroendocrine system and may result from chronic inflammation, or abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism. Non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors may secrete large amounts of hormones but typically do not cause noticeable symptoms and are generally considered not serious.
2. Serious
Functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are usually more serious, as they continuously secrete peptide hormones. Excess levels of these hormones beyond physiological ranges can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, blurred vision, altered mental status, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the tumor continues to grow and compresses the bile duct, it may also cause jaundice, abdominal masses, or even complications such as pancreatic pseudocysts.
Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are advised to seek timely treatment to reduce the risk of malignant transformation.
