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

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.