PanNET : Epidemiology
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EPIDEMIOLOGY: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) make up 2-5% of all pancreatic neoplasms. They occur over a wide age range; the mean age at diagnosis is 50-55 years. Occasional cases do occur in the pediatric age group, usually in the context of a genetic syndrome.
Non-functioning tumors make up 70-80% of all PanNETs. The remaining 20-30% are associated with a distinct hormonal syndrome. The prevalence of panNETs in autopsy studies is between 0.5% and 1.5% suggesting that many of them are clinically silent. The prevalence of non-functioning PanNETs, especially pancreatic neuroendocrine microadenomas (size < 0.5 cm), has steadily increased in the last few years due to improved imaging techniques.
About this image: Well-differentiated PanNET shows anastomosing cords and trabeculae creating a sieve-like appearance.
Non-functioning tumors make up 70-80% of all PanNETs. The remaining 20-30% are associated with a distinct hormonal syndrome. The prevalence of panNETs in autopsy studies is between 0.5% and 1.5% suggesting that many of them are clinically silent. The prevalence of non-functioning PanNETs, especially pancreatic neuroendocrine microadenomas (size < 0.5 cm), has steadily increased in the last few years due to improved imaging techniques.
About this image: Well-differentiated PanNET shows anastomosing cords and trabeculae creating a sieve-like appearance.