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VIPoma

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• Treatment

Definition:

VIPomas are a very rare type of cancer that grows from certain cells in the pancreas.

Alternative Names:

Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumor; Pancreatic endocrine tumor

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

VIPomas affect cells in the pancreas that produce a hormone called vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The cancer causes symptoms by producing high levels of this hormone. The cause is not known.

VIPomas are usually diagnosed in adulthood, most commonly at age 50. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

• Review Date: 9/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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