Islet cell tumor

Islet cell tumor is a type of tumor that originates from the islet cells in the pancreas. These tumors can be either benign or malignant. They are also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs).

Types

There are several types of islet cell tumors, including:

• Insulinoma: This is the most common type of islet cell tumor. It produces an excess amount of insulin, leading to low blood sugar.
• Gastrinoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the stomach to produce acid. This can lead to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Glucagonoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels.
• Somatostatinoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the release of other hormones.
• VIPoma: This type of tumor produces an excess amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), leading to a condition known as Verner-Morrison syndrome.

Symptoms

The symptoms of islet cell tumors depend on the type of hormone being overproduced. Common symptoms include:

• Hypoglycemia: This can cause confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness.
• Peptic ulcers: These can cause abdominal pain and bleeding.
• Diarrhea: This can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
• Skin rash: This can be a sign of glucagonoma.
• Flushing: This can be a sign of VIPoma.

Diagnosis

Islet cell tumors are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

• Blood tests: These can measure the levels of hormones in the blood.
• Imaging tests: These can include CT scans, MRI scans, and nuclear medicine scans.
• Biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the tumor for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

The treatment for islet cell tumors depends on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: This is the most common treatment for islet cell tumors. The surgeon may remove the entire pancreas or just the part of the pancreas that contains the tumor.
• Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: This uses drugs to block the production of hormones by the tumor.

See also

• Pancreatic cancer
• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Endocrine system

Islet cell tumor Resources
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