title: Neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas: a clinicopathological study of nine cases including six insulinomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNET) are relatively uncommon, accounting for 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. They are characterised by varying clinical presentation, tumour biology and prognosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide an updated overview on clinicopathological features, treatment and outcome of pNET.
  
  
  METHODS
  In our retrospective study, we reviewed 9 cases of pNET that were diagnosed at the Pathology Department of Mongi Slim Hospital over an 11-year period (2003- 2013). Relevant clinical information and microscopic slides were available in all cases and were retrospectively reviewed. The latest WHO classification (2010) was adopted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our study group included 3 men and 6 women (M/F ratio 0.5) with an age between 20 and 75 years (mean = 52 years). Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours ranged in size from 0.5 to 10 cm (mean 4 cm). The sites of pNET were the head of the pancreas (n = 4), the body of the pancreas (n = 3) and the tail of the pancreas (n = 2). Enucleation of the tumour was performed in five cases, Three patients underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, whereas only one patient had central pancreatectomy. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen coupled with immunohistochemical study established a diagnosis of pNET grade 1 (G1) in seven cases and grade 2 (G2) in two cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with distinct tumour genetics, biology and clinicopathological features. Accurate clinical and pathologic diagnosis is an important first step in developing an appropriate management plan.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Limaiem
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Arfa
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ben Hassen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lahmar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bouraoui
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007340:Insulinoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D060787:Neoplasm Grading; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden; D014416:Tunisia; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor