Pancreatic islet cell tumor

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Endocrine glands

Pancreas

Islet cell tumors; Islet of Langerhans tumor; Neuroendocrine tumors

Treatment will depend upon the type of tumor discovered and whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Malignant tumors spread to other organs, grow aggressively, and may not be treatable. In general, tumors are removed surgically, if possible.

If malignant cancerous cells spread (metastasize) to the liver, a portion of the liver may also be removed, if possible. If the cancer is widespread, various forms of chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumors.

If the abnormal production of hormones is causing problems, medications may be given to counteract their effects. For example, the overproduction of gastrin in the case of gastrinomas results in oversecretion of acid in the stomach, and medications that block acid secretion can be taken to reduce symptoms.

Patients may be cured if tumors are surgically removed before they have spread to other organs. If tumors are malignant, chemotherapy may be used, but is usually unsuccessful at curing patients. Death may result from serious problems due to excess hormone production, such as very low blood sugar, or from widespread metastasis.

Metastasis (spread) of the tumor to the liver can occur. Hormone crises can occur, depending on whether the cells that make up the tumor secrete hormones and what type of hormones are made. Gastrinomas can induce severe ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. Insulinomas can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this tumor develop, especially if you have a family history of MEN1.

Review Date: 05/12/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.