Tumorr Cancer What Is Cancer? Pancreatic islet cell tumor information about side Pancreatic islet cell tumor PPancreatic by treatment for cancer, see our Side Gluten-free diet for kids page. glucagonglycentin. Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors 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. Glandular and epithelial cancer. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics.

Pancreatic islet cell tumor -

Learn more about pancreatic islet tumors. Our surgeons offer a range of advanced minimally invasive surgery approaches, such as robotic surgery, for pancreatic islet tumors. As the surgical team for the Pancreas and Biliary Tumor Center at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center we partner with experts in conditions of the pancreas to determine the best course of treatment for pancreatic islet cell tumors that are cancerous.

General and gastrointestinal surgeons at BWH offer a range of procedures for diagnosing pancreatic islet cell tumors:. Learn about diagnostic tests for pancreatic islet cell tumors. You will receive a thorough diagnostic examination to evaluate if you have a pancreatic islet cell tumor and determine what course of treatment is needed.

Careful monitoring and the involvement of an experienced general and gastrointestinal surgeon are important to the successful outcome for patients with pancreas conditions. If you are having surgery or a procedure, you will likely be scheduled for a visit to the Weiner Center for Preoperative Evaluation for pre-operative information and tests.

The day of surgery, you will be taken care of in the operating room by surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in pancreatic islet cell tumor surgery.

After surgery, you will go to the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care by an experienced surgical and nursing staff. Learn more about your hospital stay and returning home. The Pancreas and Biliary Tumor Center at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center provides advanced multidisciplinary care for patients with gastrointestinal diseases, such as pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Our treatment team includes surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, endoscopists, anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists. Contact one of our pancreatic islet cell tumor surgeons in the list at the top of the page to make an appointment.

Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor Surgery Locations. Learn more about pancreatic islet cell tumors in our health library. Islet Cell Cancer Types of Islet Cell Tumors Islet Cell Tumor Symptoms Possible Treatment for Islet Cell Cancer Diagnosis for Islet Cell Cancer Meet Our Providers Islet Cell Cancer Treatment Center in Florida Consult Us FAQs.

Islet Cell Cancer An Islet cell tumor originates in the neuroendocrine cells of the pancreas. Types of Islet Cells Tumors Based on hormones produced, islet cell tumors can be divided into functional or non-functional tumors.

Functional Islet Cell Tumor This kind of tumor produces excessive hormones. Name of Functional Islet Cell Tumor Cells that form the tumor Insulinoma Insulin-making cells Glucagonomas Cells that make glucagon Gastrinoma Cells that secrete gastrin Somatostatinoma Somatostatin-releasing cells VIPomas Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing cells ACTH-secreting tumors Cells that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH.

Non-functional Islet cell Tumor These tumors don't release excess hormones and cause fewer symptoms than functional islet cell tumors. Islet Cell Tumor Symptoms These tumors may show symptoms either because of their growth or the excessive production of hormones.

Non-functional islet cell tumor symptoms may include: Diarrhea. Lump in the abdomen. Pain in the back or abdominal area. Generalized yellowing of the skin jaundice.

Functional Islet Cell Tumor Symptoms of Functional Islet Cell Tumor Gastrinoma Stomach ulcers, abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux Insulinoma Fast heart rate, low blood sugar, blurry vision, lightheadedness, confusion Glucagonoma Skin rash, high blood sugar, blood clots, weight loss, sore tongue VIPomas Watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal cramps, weight loss, weakness Somatostatinoma High blood sugar, foul-smelling stool that floats steatorrhea , diarrhea, weight loss, yellowness of skin.

Possible Treatment for Islet Cell Cancer Treatment options for islet cell cancer depend on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Surgery Oncologists surgically remove the tumor with some surrounding healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs injected intravenously or orally, which enter the bloodstream and reach and destroy rapidly growing cancer. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancerous cells to treat islet cell cancer.

Hepatic Arterial Occlusion or chemoembolization Anti-cancer drugs are administered through a catheter into the hepatic artery. Hormone therapy This therapy balances hormone levels in the body by blocking the effects of excessive hormones produced by the functional islet cell tumor.

Ablation Therapy Ablative treatments are usually used when the tumor spreads to other body parts. Targeted therapy Targeted drug therapy explicitly targets specific cell proteins or genes that block the growth and spread of cancer.

Diagnosis for Islet Cell Cancer The following tests and procedures may be recommended depending on the symptoms, age, and general health:. Biopsy A biopsy is a definitive cancer diagnosis that includes removing a tissue sample for microscopic examination.

Biomarker Test A biomarker test is a molecular test that identifies specific genes, proteins, and other factors that are unique to this type of tumor. Imaging tests High-intensity radiation is used to produce detailed 3-dimensional computerized images. Various imaging tests used are: X-ray CT scan MRI Nuclear medicine imaging PET-CT scan.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Endoscopic ultrasound or endo-sonography uses a probe attached to a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. Meet Our Providers The oncologists at ACTC, Florida, are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care - prescribing effective personalized and evidence-based treatment plans for their patients.

The following are our providers who you can consult at ACTC: Dr. Clayton Alonso MD, Radiation Oncologist. Alan Kerr II MD, Ph. Peter Zavitsanos MD, Radiation Oncologist. Adrenal Cancer Treatment Center in Florida. Schedule a consultation. New Patient Existing Patient. Schedule a consultation by calling FAQs How common is islet cell cancer?

What factors determine the islet cell cancer prognosis chances of recovery? Is islet cell carcinoma treatable? Company About Blog. Quick Links Our Physicians Patient Forms Refer a patient. Contact us Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida Subscribe to our newsletter. Social Links. Cells that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH.

Stomach ulcers, abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux. MRI magnetic resonance imaging : A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves , and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging NMRI. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy : A type of radionuclide scan that may be used to find small pancreatic NETs. A small amount of radioactive octreotide a hormone that attaches to tumors is injected into a vein and travels through the blood.

The radioactive octreotide attaches to the tumor and a special camera that detects radioactivity is used to show where the tumors are in the body. This procedure is also called octreotide scan and SRS. Endoscopic ultrasound EUS : A procedure in which an endoscope is inserted into the body, usually through the mouth or rectum.

An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. A probe at the end of the endoscope is used to bounce high-energy sound waves ultrasound off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.

This procedure is also called endosonography. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP : A procedure used to x-ray the ducts tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and from the gallbladder to the small intestine.

Sometimes pancreatic cancer causes these ducts to narrow and block or slow the flow of bile, causing jaundice. An endoscope is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the first part of the small intestine. A catheter a smaller tube is then inserted through the endoscope into the pancreatic ducts.

A dye is injected through the catheter into the ducts and an x-ray is taken. If the ducts are blocked by a tumor, a fine tube may be inserted into the duct to unblock it. This tube or stent may be left in place to keep the duct open.

Tissue samples may also be taken and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. Angiogram : A procedure to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood. A contrast dye is injected into the blood vessel. As the contrast dye moves through the blood vessel, x-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages.

Laparotomy : A surgical procedure in which an incision cut is made in the wall of the abdomen to check the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease. The size of the incision depends on the reason the laparotomy is being done. Sometimes organs are removed or tissue samples are taken and checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

Intraoperative ultrasound : A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves ultrasound to create images of internal organs or tissues during surgery. A transducer placed directly on the organ or tissue is used to make the sound waves, which create echoes.

The transducer receives the echoes and sends them to a computer, which uses the echoes to make pictures called sonograms. Biopsy : The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.

There are several ways to do a biopsy for pancreatic NETs. Cells may be removed using a fine or wide needle inserted into the pancreas during an x-ray or ultrasound.

Tissue may also be removed during a laparoscopy a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen. Bone scan : A procedure to check if there are rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, in the bone. A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream.

The radioactive material collects in bones with cancer and is detected by a scanner. Fasting serum gastrin test : A test in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amount of gastrin in the blood.

This test is done after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours. Conditions other than gastrinoma can cause an increase in the amount of gastrin in the blood. Basal acid output test : A test to measure the amount of acid made by the stomach.

The test is done after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours. A tube is inserted through the nose or throat , into the stomach. The stomach contents are removed and four samples of gastric acid are removed through the tube.

These samples are used to find out the amount of gastric acid made during the test and the pH level of the gastric secretions. Secretin stimulation test : If the basal acid output test result is not normal, a secretin stimulation test may be done.

The tube is moved into the small intestine and samples are taken from the small intestine after a drug called secretin is injected. Secretin causes the small intestine to make acid. When there is a gastrinoma, the secretin causes an increase in how much gastric acid is made and the level of gastrin in the blood.

Fasting serum glucose and insulin test : A test in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of glucose sugar and insulin in the blood. The test is done after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink for at least 24 hours.

Fasting serum glucagon test : A test in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amount of glucagon in the blood. VIPoma Serum VIP vasoactive intestinal peptide test : A test in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amount of VIP.

Blood chemistry studies : A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body.

In VIPoma, there is a lower than normal amount of potassium. Stool analysis : A stool sample is checked for a higher than normal sodium salt and potassium levels. Fasting serum somatostatin test : A test in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amount of somatostatin in the blood.

The type of cancer cell. Where the tumor is found in the pancreas. Whether the tumor has spread to more than one place in the pancreas or to other parts of the body. Whether the patient has MEN1 syndrome. The patient's age and general health.

Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred come back. Key Points The plan for cancer treatment depends on where the NET is found in the pancreas and whether it has spread. There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.

Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body. Pancreatic NETs can recur come back after they have been treated. Whether the cancer is found in one place in the pancreas. Whether the cancer is found in several places in the pancreas.

Whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas or to other parts of the body such as the liver , lung , peritoneum , or bone. The cancer spreads from where it began by growing into nearby areas. Lymph system. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the lymph system.

The cancer travels through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the blood.

The cancer travels through the blood vessels to other parts of the body. The cancer gets into the lymph system, travels through the lymph vessels, and forms a tumor metastatic tumor in another part of the body. The cancer gets into the blood, travels through the blood vessels, and forms a tumor metastatic tumor in another part of the body.

Key Points There are different types of treatment for patients with pancreatic NETs. The following types of treatment are used: Surgery Chemotherapy Hormone therapy Hepatic arterial occlusion or chemoembolization Targeted therapy Supportive care New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.

Treatment for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors may cause side effects. Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment. Follow-up tests may be needed. Enucleation : Surgery to remove the tumor only. This may be done when cancer occurs in one place in the pancreas.

Pancreatoduodenectomy : A surgical procedure in which the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder , nearby lymph nodes and part of the stomach , small intestine , and bile duct are removed.

Enough of the pancreas is left to make digestive juices and insulin. The organs removed during this procedure depend on the patient's condition. This is also called the Whipple procedure. Distal pancreatectomy : Surgery to remove the body and tail of the pancreas.

The spleen may also be removed if cancer has spread to the spleen. Total gastrectomy : Surgery to remove the whole stomach. Parietal cell vagotomy : Surgery to cut the nerve that causes stomach cells to make acid.

Liver resection : Surgery to remove part or all of the liver. Radiofrequency ablation : The use of a special probe with tiny electrodes that kill cancer cells. Sometimes the probe is inserted directly through the skin and only local anesthesia is needed.

In other cases, the probe is inserted through an incision in the abdomen. This is done in the hospital with general anesthesia. Cryosurgical ablation : A procedure in which tissue is frozen to destroy abnormal cells.

This is usually done with a special instrument that contains liquid nitrogen or liquid carbon dioxide. The instrument may be used during surgery or laparoscopy or inserted through the skin. This procedure is also called cryoablation. Stomach ulcers may be treated with drug therapy such as: Proton pump inhibitor drugs such as omeprazole , lansoprazole , or pantoprazole.

Histamine blocking drugs such as cimetidine , ranitidine, or famotidine. Somatostatin-type drugs such as octreotide. Intravenous IV fluids with electrolytes such as potassium or chloride.

Treatment of gastrinoma may include supportive care and the following: For symptoms caused by too much stomach acid , treatment may be a drug that decreases the amount of acid made by the stomach.

For a single tumor in the head of the pancreas : Surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery to cut the nerve that causes stomach cells to make acid and treatment with a drug that decreases stomach acid.

Surgery to remove the whole stomach rare. Surgery to cut the nerve that causes stomach cells to make acid and treatment with a drug that decreases stomach acid; or Surgery to remove the whole stomach rare. Surgery to remove part or all of the liver. Radiofrequency ablation or cryosurgical ablation.

Hormone therapy. Hepatic arterial occlusion , with or without systemic chemotherapy. Chemoembolization, with or without systemic chemotherapy. Treatment of insulinoma may include the following: For one small tumor in the head or tail of the pancreas , treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumor.

For one large tumor in the head of the pancreas that cannot be removed by surgery, treatment is usually pancreatoduodenectomy surgery to remove the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder , nearby lymph nodes and part of the stomach , small intestine , and bile duct.

For one large tumor in the body or tail of the pancreas, treatment is usually a distal pancreatectomy surgery to remove the body and tail of the pancreas. For more than one tumor in the pancreas, treatment is usually surgery to remove any tumors in the head of the pancreas and the body and tail of the pancreas.

For tumors that cannot be removed by surgery, treatment may include the following: Combination chemotherapy.

Palliative drug therapy to decrease the amount of insulin made by the pancreas. Surgery to remove the cancer. Radiofrequency ablation or cryosurgical ablation , if the cancer cannot be removed by surgery. Chemoembolization , with or without systemic chemotherapy. Treatment may include the following: For one small tumor in the head or tail of the pancreas , treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumor.

For more than one tumor in the pancreas, treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumor or surgery to remove the body and tail of the pancreas.

For VIPoma, treatment may include the following: Fluids and hormone therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes that have been lost from the body.

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