Behavior of Small, Asymptomatic, Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (NF-PNETs)

Jae Gu Jung, Kyu Taek Lee, Young Sik Woo, Jong Kyun Lee, Kwang Hyuck Lee, Kee-Taek Jang, Jong Chul Rhee, Jae Gu Jung, Kyu Taek Lee, Young Sik Woo, Jong Kyun Lee, Kwang Hyuck Lee, Kee-Taek Jang, Jong Chul Rhee

Abstract

Small nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) usually exhibit minimal or no growth over many years. However, there is a controversy regarding the optimal management of incidentally discovered, small NF-PNETs. This study aimed to gain insights into tumor behavior and potential strategies for clinical management.We retrospectively reviewed a total of 202 patients with a suspected PNET (size 2 cm or smaller) at Samsung Medical Center from January 1, 1995 to April 30, 2012. Among these patients, 72 patients were excluded and 145 patients were enrolled in our study. Patients were included if the size of the tumor was ≤2 cm without familial syndrome, radiographic evidence of local invasion or metastases.Among the 145 patients, 76 patients (52.4%) had pathologically confirmed PNETs. Eleven (14.5%) and 3 (3.9%) of these 76 patients were diagnosed with NET G2 and G3, respectively. PNETs measuring 1.5 cm or more in size had a higher probability of being classified as NET G2 or G3 compared with PNETs measuring <1.5 cm (P = 0.03). Older age (≥55 years) and a meaningful tumor growth (≥20% or ≥5 mm) were significantly associated with NET G2 or G3 (P < 0.05).Older age (≥55 years), larger tumor size (≥1.5 cm), and a meaningful tumor growth (≥20% or ≥5 mm) were associated with NET G2 or G3. Intensive follow-up could be an acceptable approach in small (especially <1.5 cm), asymptomatic, NF-PNETs.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Flowchart and management of 202 patients with NF-PNETs (nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors). ∗Accessory spleen, 5 patients; solid pseudopapillary tumor, 4 patients; serous cystadenoma, 3 patients; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 1 patient.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Pathologic results of PNET (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor) according to the tumor size. NET, neuroendocrine tumor.

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Source: PubMed

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