Near-total pancreatectomy with splenectomy for atypical pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor

Authors

Keywords:

immunohistochemistry; pancreatectomy; pancreatic neoplasms; pancreatic tumors

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) represent about 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms, are infrequent and can present with nonspecific symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult.

Objective: To describe the diagnostic approach and management of an atypical form of a rare tumor in a patient with chronic nonspecific abdominal symptoms.

Clinical Case: A 60-year-old female with hypertension consulted for diffuse abdominal pain of one year duration. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an extensive lesion in the body and tail of the pancreas with involvement of the splenic artery. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed, preserving the pancreatic head and uncinate process. Histopathological examination reported a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (Grade G1), measuring 10 × 9 × 4 cm, with cystic degeneration, hemorrhage, necrosis, osseous metaplasia, and calcifications. The Ki-67 index was < 2%, with 0/10 lymph nodes positive. Immunohistochemistry was positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin.

Conclusions: This case illustrates the importance of considering PNETs in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses, even in the absence of evident hormonal syndrome. Radical surgery enables both treatment and definitive diagnosis, which are essential for guiding follow-up.

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References

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Published

2026-09-24

How to Cite

1.
Suárez Cuevas A, Córdova Martínez A, Reyes Velázquez RI. Near-total pancreatectomy with splenectomy for atypical pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 24 [cited 2026 Sep. 26];55(3):e026077254. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/77254

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 3 (2026): July - September (in Progress)

Section

Case Presentation

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Copyright (c) 2026 Alberto Suárez Cuevas, Anet Córdova Martínez, Rafael Isaías Reyes Velázquez

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