A nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas - a case report

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2015;56(2):511-9.

Abstract

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) represent about 1-5% of the pancreatic tumors, having an annual incidence of about 1/100 000, with difficult positive and differential diagnostic, especially in nonfunctioning tumors. We present a case of large dimensions (10/8 cm) pancreatic tail NET developed in a 65-year-old woman, incidentally discovered while she was examined for a strangled inguinal hernia. The patient had no specific tumor signs and the imagistic examination did not reveal any metastases. The histopathological and especially the immunohistochemical examinations were decisive for the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic establishment. The tumor showed intense positivity for chromogranin, synaptophysin, CD56, CD117, CK19, MNF-116 and negative for CK5/6 and CK7. The proliferative index established through the Ki-67 assessment was around 3%, while p53 was positive in 25-30% of tumor cells nuclei.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / blood supply
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins