1. < Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
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NET tumor of pancreas (1 cm) diagnosed

Posted by u20967 @u20967, Jul 9, 2025

I am 73 year old diagnosed with a 1 cm NET of pancreas that was found incidentally on a CT scan that was done for another issue. The surgeon I was referred to recommended to just follow up in a year with another CT scan. He said a biopsy may not be able to get anything because of the small size. I am on the fence, should I go ahead with a biopsy or is it a waste of time?
Also, the surgeon said an enucleation couldn't be done? I don't understand that and am going to further question him about this. Has anyone had an enucleation of a small tumor of pancreas? I am afraid the tumor will grow and would like it removed, but I am not willing to have a Whipple at my age. Maybe a biopsy will tell how fast it is growing?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 2 days ago
In reply to @anneliza "@hopeful33250 Initially I had no appetite. At one of my follow-up visits my surgeon stressed that..." + (show)
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@hopeful33250 Initially I had no appetite. At one of my follow-up visits my surgeon stressed that I needed nutrients in order to heal properly, so I made a real effort to eat. My appetite was back to normal within 6 months.

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@anneliza
It often takes several months for our appetite to return to normal. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 2 days ago
In reply to @mmedinnus1 "@tomrennie well it's kind of complicated but in a nutshell I was having pain over my..." + (show)
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@tomrennie well it's kind of complicated but in a nutshell I was having pain over my kidney area so after that was ruled out I went to see the spinal Doctor who said I had a couple of discs that were going out of place due to my worsening spinal stenosis and while he was looking at the MRI he noticed some spots on my kidney. So I did a CT scan of the kidneys and that showed the spots were just like calcification or nothing to be worried about but then they also CT the lungs while they were doing the kidneys and that showed tumors in the lung area so then they went and did a PET scan of my lungs and those came up hot on the Pet Scan but also so did the tell to my pancreas. In fact they said that came up hotter than the tumors in my lung. And they thought it was a narrow endocrine tumor. September 4th I have an MRI of the pancreas and after that I assume then I'll get sent over to that department because the thoracic surgeon said the tumor on my pancreas needs to be looked at before the lung because that is a very slow growing tumors that are just confined to that area it's not anything that's going to spread

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@mmedinnus1
I see that @dbamos1945 has responded to your post. I would also like to recommend, as she did, the importance of seeing a NET specialist. NETs are a rare form of cancer, and a specialist is best able to determine treatment. It really would be in your best interest to have at least one consultation with a NET specialist. There are NET specialists at all three Mayo Clinic locations (appointment information is available at http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63).

If it is not possible to be seen at a Mayo facility, here is a link from the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation with NET specialists in the U.S.: https://netrf.org/for-patients/neuroendocrine-tumor-doctor-database/page/8/

Are you interested in seeking a second opinion?

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mmedinnus1 | @mmedinnus1 | 2 days ago
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@mmedinnus1 I see that @dbamos1945 has responded to your post. I would also like to recommend,..." + (show)
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@mmedinnus1
I see that @dbamos1945 has responded to your post. I would also like to recommend, as she did, the importance of seeing a NET specialist. NETs are a rare form of cancer, and a specialist is best able to determine treatment. It really would be in your best interest to have at least one consultation with a NET specialist. There are NET specialists at all three Mayo Clinic locations (appointment information is available at http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63).

If it is not possible to be seen at a Mayo facility, here is a link from the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation with NET specialists in the U.S.: https://netrf.org/for-patients/neuroendocrine-tumor-doctor-database/page/8/

Are you interested in seeking a second opinion?

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@hopeful33250

I live 40 minutes from m a y o Rochester so I will see a consultant there. I also have a friend who is a nurse up in the cities and works with a doctor who specializes in neuroendocrine tumors so he will be my second opinion

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 1 day ago
In reply to @mmedinnus1 "@hopeful33250 I live 40 minutes from m a y o Rochester so I will see a..." + (show)
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@hopeful33250

I live 40 minutes from m a y o Rochester so I will see a consultant there. I also have a friend who is a nurse up in the cities and works with a doctor who specializes in neuroendocrine tumors so he will be my second opinion

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@mmedinnus1

That sounds like a good plan! I look forward to hearing from you again.

Will you keep in touch and let me know how the process is going?

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