Gastrinoma
Encyclopedia
A gastrinoma is a tumor
in the pancreas or duodenum that secretes excess of gastrin
leading to ulceration in the duodenum, stomach and the small intestine. There is hypersecretion of the HCl in the duodenum which causes the ulcers. HCl also causes hyperperistalsis and inhibits the activity of lipase causing severe diarrhoea.
It is frequently the source of the gastrin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
.
It is most commonly found in the duodenum
(50-70%) and less commonly in the pancreas
(20-40%). Those occurring in the pancreas have a greater potential for malignancy.
2- In case of moderate hypergastrinemia, a secretin stimulation test can help in the dignosis.
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
in the pancreas or duodenum that secretes excess of gastrin
Gastrin
In humans, gastrin is a peptide hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid by the parietal cells of the stomach and aids in gastric motility. It is released by G cells in the antrum of the stomach, duodenum, and the pancreas...
leading to ulceration in the duodenum, stomach and the small intestine. There is hypersecretion of the HCl in the duodenum which causes the ulcers. HCl also causes hyperperistalsis and inhibits the activity of lipase causing severe diarrhoea.
It is frequently the source of the gastrin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Zollinger–Ellison syndrome is a triad of gastric acid hypersecretion, severe peptic ulceration, and non-beta cell islet tumor of pancreas . In this syndrome increased levels of the hormone gastrin are produced, causing the stomach to produce excess hydrochloric acid. Often the cause is a tumor of...
.
It is most commonly found in the duodenum
Duodenum
The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms anterior intestine or proximal intestine may be used instead of duodenum...
(50-70%) and less commonly in the pancreas
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates. It is both an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, as well as a digestive organ, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that assist...
(20-40%). Those occurring in the pancreas have a greater potential for malignancy.
Clinical Picture
Gastrinoma causes following symptoms:- Hypergastrinaemia
- Ulcers of the duodenum, stomach, and small intestine.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Generalised cancer symptoms.
Diagnostics
1- Fasting Serum Gastrin.2- In case of moderate hypergastrinemia, a secretin stimulation test can help in the dignosis.