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Pancreatic islet cell tumor

Cancer - pancreas; Cancer - pancreatic; Pancreatic cancer; Islet cell tumors; Islet of Langerhans tumor; Neuroendocrine tumors; Peptic ulcer - islet cell tumor; Hypoglycemia - islet cell tumor

 

A pancreatic islet cell tumor is a rare tumor of the pancreas that starts from a type of cell called the islet cell.

Causes

 

In the healthy pancreas, cells called islet cells produce hormones that regulate a several bodily functions. These include 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, which can lead to specific symptoms.

Pancreatic islet cell tumors can be noncancerous ( benign ) or cancerous (malignant).

Islet cell tumors include:

  • Gastrinoma ( Zollinger-Ellison syndrome )
  • Glucagonoma
  • Insulinoma

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

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms depend on which hormone is made by the tumor.

For example, insulinomas produce insulin, which lowers blood sugar level. Symptoms may include:

  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Shaking or sweating
  • Headache
  • Hunger
  • Nervousness, anxiety, or feeling irritable
  • Unclear thinking or feeling uneasy
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

If your blood sugar level gets too low, you may faint, have a seizure, or even go into a coma.

Gastrinomas make the hormone gastrin, which tells the body to make stomach acid. Symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Ulcers in the stomach and small bowel
  • Vomiting blood (occasionally)

Glucagonomas make the hormone glucagon, which helps the body raise blood sugar level. Symptoms can include:

  • Diabetes
  • Red, blistery rash in the groin or buttocks
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent urination and thirst

 

Exams and Tests

 

Blood tests may vary, depending upon the symptoms, but may include:

  • Fasting glucose level
  • Gastrin level
  • Glucose tolerance test
  • Secretin stimulation test for pancreas
  • Blood glucagon level
  • Blood insulin C-peptide
  • Blood insulin level

Imaging tests may be done:

  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • MRI of abdomen

A blood sample may also be taken from a vein in the pancreas for testing.

Sometimes, surgery is needed to diagnose and treat this condition. During this procedure, the surgeon examines the pancreas by hand and with ultrasound.

 

Treatment

 

Treatment depends on the type of tumor and if it is cancerous.

Cancerous tumors can grow quickly and spread to other organs. They may not be treatable. Tumors are often removed with surgery, if possible.

If cancer cells spread to the liver, a part of the liver may also be removed, if possible. If the cancer is widespread, chemotherapy may be used to try and shrink the tumors.

If the abnormal production of hormones is causing symptoms, you may receive medicines to counteract their effects. For example, with gastrinomas, the overproduction of gastrin leads to too much acid in the stomach. Medicines that block stomach acid release can reduce symptoms.

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

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 people.

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

 

Complications of these tumors include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hormone crises (if the tumor releases certain types of hormones)
  • Severe low blood sugar (from insulinomas)
  • Severe ulcers in the stomach and small intestine (from gastrinomas)
  • Spread of the tumor to the liver

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

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

 

Prevention

 

There is no known prevention for these tumors.

 

 

Open References

References

Mauro LA, Herman JM, Jaffee EM, Laheru DA. Carcinoma of the pancreas. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 81.

National Cancer Institute. PDQ pancreatic cancer treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated February 5, 2016. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pancreatic/HealthProfessional . Accessed April 4, 2016.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Version 1.2016. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/pancreatic.pdf . Accessed April 4, 2016.

 
  • Endocrine glands

    Endocrine glands - illustration

    Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

    Endocrine glands

    illustration

  • Pancreas

    Pancreas - illustration

    The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

    Pancreas

    illustration

    • Endocrine glands

      Endocrine glands - illustration

      Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

      Endocrine glands

      illustration

    • Pancreas

      Pancreas - illustration

      The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

      Pancreas

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Pancreatic islet cell tumor

         
           

          Review Date: 3/16/2016

          Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

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