Islet cell tumors

Alternative names

Pancreatic islet cell tumor; Islet of Langerhans tumor; Neuroendocrine tumors

Definition

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

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.

Symptoms

• Sweating
  
• Tremor
  
• Rapid heart rate
  
• Anxiety
  
• Hunger
  
• Dizziness
  
• Headache
  
• Clouding of vision
  
• Confusion
  
• Behavioral changes
  
• Convulsions
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
• Skin rash that migrates on the face, abdomen, perineum, buttocks, or lower extremities
  o May be crusty and scaly
  o May have raised lesions filled with clear fluid or pus
  
• Inflamed mouth and tongue
  
• Weight loss
  
• Weight gain (unintentional)
  
• Peptic ulcer pain
  
• Vomiting blood
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Abdominal pain
  

Note: The symptoms depend upon the type of tumor and the hormone produced.

Signs and tests

The type of tests performed may vary depending upon the symptoms associated with the condition. Some of the following abnormalities may be detected on testing: