Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: Symptoms & Signs

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are tumors that arise in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. They may be benign or cancerous (malignant). The tumors may or may not produce symptoms, and symptoms are related to the hormone production. The main types of functional (hormone-producing) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are gastrinoma, insulinoma, and glucagonoma. These produce the hormones gastrin, insulin, or glucagon, respectively.

Signs and symptoms may not be present, but when they do occur, symptoms and signs can include

• hypoglycemia,
• diarrhea,
• dehydration, and
• unexplained weight loss.

Other signs and symptoms can include

• abdominal pain,
• back pain, and
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).

Cause of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

While the cause is not well understood, it is known that people with the condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 syndrome (MEN1) have an increased risk of developing a pancreatic NET.

Other pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Pain
• Back Pain
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Hypoglycemia
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Yellowing of the Skin and Whites of the Eyes (Jaundice)

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

SLIDESHOW

Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See Slideshow