Pancreatic islet cell tumor

:: Definition :: Images :: Causes :: Symptoms :: Treatment :: Further Reading

Search results last updated: 9/12/2008

pancreatic islet cell tumor - Definition: (Source: MedLinePlus)

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. ...
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pancreatic islet cell tumor - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)

Endocrine glands

Pancreas

Causes of pancreatic islet cell tumor (Source: MedLinePlus)

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: Gastrinomas ( Zollinger-Ellison syndrome ); Glucagonomas; Insulinomas. A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I ( MEN I ) is a risk factor for islet cell tumors. ... [ read more.. ]

Symptoms of pancreatic islet cell tumor (Source: MedLinePlus)

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: Abdominal pain ; Anxiety ; Behavior changes; Clouding of vision; Confusion ; Convulsions ; Diarrhea; Dizziness ; Headache; Hunger; Inflamed mouth and tongue; Loss of consciousness ; Peptic ulcer pain; Rapid heart rate ; Skin rash that moves on the face, abdomen, buttocks, or feet May be crusty and scaly; May have raised sores filled with clear fluid or pus. ; Sweating; Tremor ; Vomiting blood ; Weight gain (unintentional); Weight loss. ... [ read more.. ]

pancreatic islet cell tumor - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)

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. ... [ read more.. ]

Further Reading on pancreatic islet cell tumor

Unusual Cancers of Childhood Treatment (PDQ®) - Abdominal Cancers ( WebMD ) Abdominal cancers include adrenocortical tumors ,renal cell carcinomas,carcinomas of the stomach,cancer of the pancreas,colorectal...Abdominal cancers include adrenocortical tumors , carcinomas of the... Islet cell cancer ( eMedicineHealth ) Islet cell cancer ( MedicineNet )

	pancreatic islet cell tumor: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

pancreatic islet cell tumor: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web