Review of the Clinico-Pathological Features of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in Iran

Abstract

Background:

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are increasing in the world. The annual incidence of PNETs is nearly 0.25 per 100 000 population. 1-2% of pancreatic neoplasms are PNENs.

Materials and Methods:

This article reviewed the available original and review literatures which had been published in Persian and English in websites of Google scholar, Iran doc and Pub Med with keywords neoplasm, pancreas, neuroendocrine and Iran since 1995 to 2014 year. The aim of this article was to compare the clinico-pathological characteristics of Iranian studies (seven articles) with other studies.

Results:

Prevalence of PNENs was among 30-60 year and there was no gender preference in some studies. Abdominal pain was the most common manifestation of PNENs.60-70% of PNENs was functional in Iran. In mostly of imaging procedures, neoplasm was reported in pancreatic head. These neoplasms were with different rates of growth and aggressive behaviors. The clinical behavior of PNENs could be predicted according to clinical stage, grade and evidence of hormone syndromes. Neoplasm resection could be a cure for PNENs. Mean survival time depended on the extent of disease at diagnosis time and the differentiation of neoplasm. In one report of Iran, survival rate was 48% in non functional PNENs versus nearly 100% in functional PNENs (Insulinoma) during 3 years follow up.

Conclusion:

A team of specialists is necessary for successful and efficient treatment in PNENs field. Mean survival time in non-functional PNENs is shorter than functional form. Different results in clinical characteristics and neoplasm behavior in several studies maybe due to PNENs heterogeneity in the world. It’s unlikely that could present a prognostic model for PNENs.