Pancreatic tumours as part of the MEN-1 syndrome

Pancreaticoduodenal tumours (PETs) occur in a majority of MEN-1 patients, and have appeared as a major cause of disease-related death. Previous discussions about treatment have mainly dealt with management of various functioning tumours and clinical syndromes of hormone excess. However, hormonal syndromes often occur late with MEN-1 pancreatic tumours, and when developed indicate presence of metastases in up to 50% of the patients. Prospective screening is therefore recommended in MEN-1 with biochemical markers and endoscopic ultrasound for early detection of PETs, and early surgery before metastases have developed. Surgery is recommended in patients with or without hormonal syndromes in absence of disseminated liver metastases. The suggested operation includes enucleation of tumours in the head of the pancreas, excision of duodenal gastrinomas together with clearance of lymph node metastases, and distal 80% subtotal pancreatic resection as prophylaxis against tumour recurrence. This strategy with early and aggressive surgery is believed to reduce the risks for malignant progression.