Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (PNET) Presenting as a Pseudocyst: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Sep 26;14(9):e29617. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29617. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) account for a very small proportion of all pancreatic tumors. The presence or absence of a specific clinical manifestation associated with hormone oversecretion determines whether a PNET is functional or nonfunctional. Imaging expressions differ significantly, from the common to the extremely rare. Diffuse, uniform pancreatic enlargement, without abnormalities in contour or a central mass, is the most common radiological finding. We report the case of a 43-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and early satiety over the course of two months and was found to have a non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, with the pseudocyst being the initial diagnostic finding. In comparison to patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer, those with PNET have a much better prognosis and longer expected survival time. This case report highlights the importance of the diagnostic evaluation of PNET and timely intervention to prolong the survival of the patient.

Keywords: neuroendocrine; pancreas tumor; pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor; pnet; primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pnet); pseudocyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports