Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
What are Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors?
Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs) are a type of tumor that develops in the pancreas and spreads to other parts of the body. These tumors typically start in the islet cells of the pancreas, which produce hormones. PNETs are rare and often have a slow-growing pattern. Despites this, the prognosis is typically poor due to the difficulty in detecting and treating these tumors.
Symptoms of Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
PNETs don’t have specific symptoms, but those are include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
In addition, these tumors can cause the production of certain hormones, like gastrin, which can cause serious side effects. If you experience any of the symptoms above, contact your doctor immediately to determine the potential cause.
Diagnosing and Treating Metastatic Pancreactic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Diagnosis of PNETs usually involves imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, as well as biopsy to confirm the presence of the tumor. Treatment options for PNETs include surgical resection, local ablation, radiation, embolization, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Ultimately, treatment choices should be discussed with an experienced medical team to choose the best course of action for the individual.
Prognosis for Metastatic Pancreactic Neuroendocrine Tumors
The prognosis of PNETs is typically poor due to the difficulty in detecting and treating these tumors. In general, PNETs respond well to chemotherapy and radiation, but more aggressive tumors may need a combination of treatments.
Surgery to remove the tumor can provide a more positive prognosis, but if the cancer has spread too far, surgery may not be possible. In these cases, the focus is on managing symptoms and prolonging the patient’s quality of life with palliative treatments.