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Endocrine Pancreatic Tumor Surgery

Surgical management of functional and non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Endocrine Pancreatic Tumor Surgery?

Endocrine pancreatic tumors, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), are neoplasms arising from islet cells. They include functional types (insulinoma, gastrinoma, glucagonoma, VIPoma, somatostatinoma) and non-functional tumors detected as incidentalomas or by mass effect.

Surgical resection is the only curative treatment. The approach depends on tumor size, location, hormonal activity, multifocality (e.g., MEN1 syndrome) and metastatic disease, ranging from enucleation to pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Symptoms

Insulinoma: hypoglycemia, neuroglycopenic symptoms, Whipple triad
Gastrinoma: refractory peptic ulcers, diarrhea, GERD
Glucagonoma: necrolytic migratory erythema, weight loss, diabetes
VIPoma: severe watery diarrhea, hypokalemia
Non-functional: abdominal pain, jaundice, palpable mass

Risk Factors

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
Neurofibromatosis type 1
Tuberous sclerosis complex
Family history of neuroendocrine tumors
Age above 40-60 years (sporadic forms)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Symptomatic functional tumor confirmed biochemically
  • Non-functional tumor larger than 2 cm
  • Suspicious imaging findings with hormonal symptoms
  • Hereditary syndrome screening positive findings
  • Liver metastases amenable to debulking

Treatment Methods

01
Enucleation for small benign superficial tumors (insulinoma, MEN1)
02
Distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy for body-tail lesions
03
Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) for head tumors
04
Total pancreatectomy in MEN1 with multifocal disease
05
Cytoreductive hepatic resection or RFA for liver metastases
06
Perioperative octreotide for carcinoid crisis prevention
07
Long-term somatostatin analog and PRRT (Lu-177 DOTATATE) for unresectable disease

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.