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Get answers to your GI cancer surgery questions.
Islet cell tumors; Islet of Langerhans tumor; Neuroendocrine tumors
Symptoms are caused by the hormone the tumor is producing.
For example, insulinomas produce the hormone insulin, which helps the body lower blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include:
If your blood sugar gets too low, you may faint, have a seizure, or even go into a coma.
Gastrinomas make the hormone gastrin, which helps the body manage stomach acid. Symptoms may include:
Glucagonomas make the hormone glucagon, which helps the body raise blood sugar levels. Symptoms can include:
Blood tests may vary depending upon the symptoms, but may include:
The following imaging tests may be performed:
Other tests that may be done include:
Sampling the vein drainage of segments of the pancreas
Occasionally, surgery is needed to diagnose and treat this condition. During this procedure, the surgeon feels the pancreas and may use ultrasound probes.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Neuroendocrine Tumors. National Comprehensive Cancer Network; 2009. Version 2.2009.
Jensen RT. Pancreatic endocrine tumors. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 205.
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