Management of nonfunctioning islet cell tumors of the pancreas

Eleven patients with nonfunctioning islet cell tumor of the pancreas were examined. Since no hypersecretory syndromes were noted, patients' complaints related to enlarging pancreatic masses. Pancreatoduodenectomy was the most commonly performed procedure, with long-term survival of 77 per cent and 62 per cent at two and five years, respectively. Immunohistochemical stains for various polypeptides were positive in two of four tumors tested. Surgical therapy remains the most effective treatment for resectable lesions, with prolonged survival possible in most patients.