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Treatment of Middle-segment Pancreatic Benign Tumor Using Laparoscopic Central Pancreatectomy with End-to-end Pancreatic Duct Reconstruction
Published on: January 2, 2026
Pancreatic endocrine tumors: radiologic-clinicopathologic correlation
Rachel B Lewis1, Grant E Lattin, Edina Paal
1Department of Radiologic Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC, USA. rachel.lewis@med.navy.mil
Summary
Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are well-differentiated tumors with malignant potential, often appearing as hypervascular masses on imaging. Understanding their clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features is crucial for patient management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) originate from pancreatic ductal cells and resemble normal islet cells.
- PETs are categorized as functioning or nonfunctioning, with common functioning types including insulinoma, gastrinoma, and glucagonoma.
- While all PETs possess malignant potential, they are often well-differentiated and can have an indolent course, even with metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the clinical, pathologic, and radiologic characteristics of pancreatic endocrine tumors.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing these features for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
- To differentiate between well-differentiated and poorly differentiated PETs and their prognostic implications.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations associated with functioning PETs.
- Pathologic classification based on cell differentiation and biologic behavior.
- Radiologic assessment focusing on imaging features like hypervascularity, calcification, and necrosis.
Main Results:
- PETs typically present as well-defined, hypervascular masses due to their rich capillary network.
- Larger tumors are associated with cystic changes, calcification, necrosis, poorer prognosis, and increased invasion/metastasis.
- Poorly differentiated PETs are rare, exhibit an infiltrative appearance, and carry a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive knowledge of PETs' clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features is vital.
- Early identification and understanding of tumor characteristics aid in effective evaluation and management strategies.
- Distinguishing between tumor subtypes and stages is critical for predicting patient outcomes.
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