Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm: Symptoms and Care

Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm is a type of tumor that develops in the pancreatic islet cells, which are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by producing hormones like insulin and glucagon. These tumors can disrupt the normal functioning of the pancreas and lead to imbalances in blood sugar levels. This can impact overall health by causing symptoms related to abnormal blood sugar levels and potentially affecting the body's ability to regulate glucose properly.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm

Individuals with Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms may experience a range of symptoms related to hormone overproduction or tumor growth in the pancreas.

Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Fatigue
Changes in blood sugar levels

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Causes of Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm

Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms are mainly caused by genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas.

Genetic factors
Insulin resistance
Hormonal imbalances
Age
Obesity
Smoking
Chronic pancreatitis
Family history of pancreatic cancer

Types of Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm

Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms can manifest in various forms, including those that produce hormones and those that are non-functional growths.

Insulinoma: A type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that produces excessive insulin, leading to low blood sugar levels.
Glucagonoma: A rare tumor that secretes excess glucagon, resulting in symptoms such as skin rash, weight loss, and high blood sugar levels.
Gastrinoma: Also known as ZollingerEllison syndrome, it causes the overproduction of gastrin, leading to excessive stomach acid production and ulcers.
Somatostatinoma: A pancreatic tumor that produces too much somatostatin hormone, leading to a range of symptoms including diabetes, gallstones, and diarrhea.
VIPoma: A rare pancreatic tumor that produces vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), leading to severe watery diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

Risk Factors

Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms are more common in individuals with certain genetic conditions or a family history of these tumors.

Genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).
Family history of pancreatic cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.
Age (usually diagnosed in people over 40).
Gender (slightly more common in women than men).
Obesity.
Smoking.
Diabetes.

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Diagnosis of Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm

Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical imaging and laboratory tests.

Blood tests
Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI)
Endoscopic ultrasound
Biopsy
Genetic testing

Treatment for Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasm

Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms are typically treated through a combination of different approaches tailored to the specific type and stage of the tumor.

Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is a common treatment for Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms, especially for localized tumors.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs may be used to kill cancer cells or slow down their growth. This treatment is often used in combination with other therapies.
Radiation Therapy: High Energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be recommended before or after surgery or in cases where surgery is not an option.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells. This treatment option is used for certain types of Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms.
Hormone Therapy: In cases where the tumor is hormone producing, hormone therapy may be used to help manage symptoms and control hormone levels. This treatment can help improve quality of life for some patients.