pancreatic islet cell tumor
A neuroendocrine tumor arising from hormone-producing cells within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans.
Full Definition
Pancreatic islet cell tumors, also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), originate from the hormone-producing cells within the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. These tumors can be functional (hormone-secreting) or non-functional, with functional tumors named according to their predominant hormone secretion. Common functional variants include insulinomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas, and VIPomas. The tumors are graded based on mitotic rate and Ki-67 proliferation index, which influences treatment decisions and prognosis. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for localized disease, while systemic therapies are employed for advanced cases.
Usage
Usage note: PanNET is the preferred contemporary terminology over 'islet cell tumor' in formal medical writing.
In Context
- "The pancreatic islet cell tumor showed positive staining for synaptophysin and chromogranin A." — Pathology report
- "Enucleation was performed for the small pancreatic islet cell tumor in the pancreatic tail." — Surgical operative note