Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are rare neoplasms that arise from the hormone-secreting cells of the pancreas. They can be classified as either functional (hormone-secreting) or non-functional (non-hormone-secreting). The symptoms depend on the type of hormone produced and the size or location of the tumor.
- Insulin-secreting tumors (Insulinomas)
- Episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially during fasting or after exercise
- Symptoms include sweating, palpitations, tremors, confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness
- Relief of symptoms after glucose intake is typical
- Gastrin-secreting tumors (Gastrinomas)
- Recurrent peptic ulcers, often multiple or refractory to treatment
- Abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting
- Diarrhea due to excess acid production
- Glucagon-secreting tumors (Glucagonomas)
- Skin rash (necrolytic migratory erythema), especially on the face, abdomen, and limbs
- Weight loss, anemia, diabetes mellitus, and deep vein thrombosis
- VIP-secreting tumors (VIPomas)
- Profuse watery diarrhea leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Flushing, low blood potassium, and metabolic acidosis
- Somatostatin-secreting tumors (Somatostatinomas)
- Diabetes mellitus, gallstones, diarrhea, and steatorrhea
- Weight loss and abdominal pain
- Non-functional tumors
- Often asymptomatic in early stages
- Symptoms appear when the tumor grows large enough to compress nearby organs
- These may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, nausea, or a palpable mass
- General tumor-related symptoms
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and low-grade fever
| Hormone Type | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Insulin | Hypoglycemia, sweating, confusion, loss of consciousness |
| Gastrin | Peptic ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea |
| Glucagon | Skin rash, weight loss, diabetes, anemia |
| VIP | Watery diarrhea, flushing, low potassium |
| Somatostatin | Diabetes, gallstones, diarrhea, weight loss |
| Non-functional | Abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, mass effect |