Management of incidental pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: a case report with literature review

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare and accounting for less than 5% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Their management depends on dimension of the lesion, main pancreatic duct (MPD) caliber, tumor malignancy features and evolutive potential.

Case report: Incidental finding of a lesion 1.2 cm wide of the pancreatic body, after contrast enhanced total body CT, in a 71 years old obese Caucasian male (BMI>25), during follow-up for cutaneous melanoma. The lesion was confirmed by MRI and 68-Ga pancreatic scintigraphy. EUS showed a second hypoecogenic and hypovascularized lesion compatible with pancreatic tail PNET. After FNB, Ki-67 was below 3%.

Discussion: 68-Gallium PET-CT was the preferred technique for the staging of the neuroendocrine neoplasm, for treatment planning, for the localization of the pancreatic lesion, excluding the presence of unknown extra-pancreatic lesions. EUS-FNB is indicated in patient with suspicion of PNET, although further investigation is needed to include it as a routine diagnostic examination.

Conclusion: Surgery is mandatory in case of PNETs larger than 2 cm, with MPD dilation, Ki-67>20% and compression symptoms.