A Clinicopathologic and Molecular Update of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms With a Focus on the New World Health Organization Classification

Abstract

Context.— According to the 2017 World Health Organization classification, pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) include a new category of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, grade 3, which is often difficult to differentiate from pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. However, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor grade 3 and pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma are distinct entities with very different clinical presentation, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies. Recent discoveries on the molecular characteristics of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors also play an essential role in the pathologic differential diagnosis of PanNENs. In addition, the histopathologic varieties of PanNENs bring in many differential diagnoses with other pancreatic neoplasms, especially acinar cell carcinoma, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, and ductal adenocarcinoma. Objective.— To provide a brief update of the World Health Organization classification; the clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics; and the differential diagnoses and biological behavior of PanNENs. Data Sources.— Analysis of the pertinent literature (PubMed) and authors' clinical practice experience based on institutional and consultation materials. Conclusions.— The evolving clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of PanNENs are reviewed. Important differential diagnoses with other neoplasms of the pancreas are discussed.