Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Nader Hanna, M.D.

Ask the Expert

Get answers to your GI oncology questions by e-mailing Dr. Nader Hanna.

Dr. Hanna's Bio

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Related Content

Patient Care

Cancer Overviews

Patient Success Stories

Our Doctors

Pancreatic islet cell tumor

Definition:

A pancreatic islet cell tumor is an uncommon tumor of the pancreas that arises from a cell in the pancreas, referred to as the islet cell. Normally, islet cells produce insulin and other hormones, and islet cell tumors can also produce hormones.

Alternative Names:

Islet cell tumors; Islet of Langerhans tumor; Neuroendocrine tumors

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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 secrete only one specific hormone that leads to specific symptoms. Pancreatic islet cell tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous).

Islet cell tumors include insulinomas, glucagonomas, and gastrinomas ( Zollinger-Ellison syndrome ). A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I ( MEN I ) is a risk factor for the development of islet cell tumors.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com