Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors sometimes don't cause symptoms. When they do, signs and symptoms can include: 
Stomach ulcers
Heartburn
Diabetes
Weakness
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Skin rash
Constipation
Pain in your abdomen or back
Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Low blood sugar
 Causes It's not clear what causes most pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors occur when hormone-producing cells in the pancreas (islet cells) develop changes (mutations) in their DNA — the material that provides instructions for every chemical process in your body. DNA mutations cause changes in these instructions. One result is that cells may begin to grow out of control and eventually form a tumor — a mass of cancerous cells. Sometimes the cancer cells break away and spread to other organs, such as the liver. Some inherited syndromes increase the risk of this type of cancer, including: 
Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1) syndrome
Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Von Recklinghausen's disease (neurofibromatosis 1)
Tuberous sclerosis
 Risk factors Factors that are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors include: 
Being male. Men are much more likely than women to develop these tumors.
A family history of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. If a family member was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, your risk is increased. You may have multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1) syndrome, which increases the risk of this type of tumor.
  

  




 


 
 By Mayo Clinic Staff By Mayo Clinic Staff 
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors care at Mayo Clinic
