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Pancreatic islet cell tumor

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Pancreas
Pancreas

Alternative Names    Return to top

Islet cell tumors; Islet of Langerhans tumor; Neuroendocrine tumors

Definition    Return to top

A pancreatic islet cell tumor is an uncommon tumor of the pancreas that arises from a type of cell called the islet cell in the pancreas.

Causes    Return to top

In the normal pancreas, cells called islet cells produce hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as blood sugar level and the production of stomach acid.

Tumors that arise from islet cells of the pancreas can also produce a variety of hormones, though some do not.

Although islet cells produce many different hormones, most tumors release only one hormone that leads to specific symptoms. Pancreatic islet cell tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Islet cell tumors include:

A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I (MEN I) is a risk factor for islet cell tumors.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms are caused by the hormone the tumor is producing. For example, an insulinoma may produce too much insulin, leading to very low blood sugar levels.

Symptoms can include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests may vary depending upon the symptoms. The following tests may be performed:

Occasionally, surgery is needed to diagnose and treat this condition. During this procedure, the surgeon feels the pancreas and may use ultrasound probes.

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment will depend on the type of tumor and whether the tumor is noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Malignant tumors can spread to other organs, grow aggressively, and may not be treatable. Tumors are usually removed with surgery, if possible.

If malignant cancer 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, you may receive medications to counteract their effects. For example, with gastrinomas, the overproduction of gastrin leads to too much acid in the stomach. Medications that block acid release can reduce symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

You may be cured if the tumors are surgically removed before they have spread to other organs. If tumors are cancerous, chemotherapy may be used, but it usually cannot cure patients.

Life-threatening problems (such as very low blood sugar) can occur due to excess hormone production, or if the cancer spreads throughout the body.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

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

Prevention    Return to top

There is no known prevention for these tumors.

Update Date: 3/18/2008

Updated by: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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