Treatment:

Medications called proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, and others) are now the first choice for treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These drugs reduce acid production by the stomach, and promote healing of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. They also relieve abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Surgery to remove a single gastrinoma may be done if there is no evidence that it has spread to other organs (such as lymph nodes or the liver). Surgery on the stomach (gastrectomy) to control acid production is rarely needed today.

Expectations (prognosis):

Even with early diagnosis and surgery to remove the tumor, the cure rate is relatively low. However, gastrinomas grow slowly, and patients may live for many years after the tumor is discovered. Acid-suppressing medications are very effective at controlling the symptoms of too much acid production.

Complications:

• Failure to locate the tumor during surgery
• Intestinal bleeding or hole (perforation) from ulcers in the stomach or duodenum
• Severe diarrhea and weight loss
• Spread of the tumor to other organs (most often liver and lymph nodes)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if it occurs with diarrhea.