A rare pancreatic disease caused by tumors, called Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, can be a cause of pancreatic cancer.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a pancreatic disease caused by tumors called gastrinomas. This syndrome is characterized by excess acid in the stomach, and can lead to peptic ulcer. It was discovered in 1955 by surgeons R. M. Zollinger and E. H. Ellison from Ohio, United States. And before this time there were cases of peptic ulcer occurring at the same time with pancreatic tumors, but these doctors were the first to notice a correlation between these two phenomena, giving the name of this syndrome.
What is a gastrinoma?
Gastrinoma is a pancreatic or duodenal tumor that secretes excess gastrin. This highly acidic digestive fluid causes ulceration and perforation of the stomach, duodenum or small intestine.
Gastrinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor, which means that it results from the improper functioning of the endocrine (hormonal) and neurological systems. It may occur in the form of a single tumor or small tumor groups. It is assumed that one third to two thirds of gastrinomas are malignant tumors, which extend easily to the abdominal lymphatic nerves and liver.
Causes of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
The exact cause of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is unknown, especially as it can occur on its own, without a related cause.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may also occur as a result of an autosomal syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). About 25% of patients with gastrinoma belong to the MEN 1 category. The main tumor usually appears on the pancreas, duodenum (the part of the small intestine adjacent to the stomach) or abdominal lymph nodes, but cases of ectopic tumors in the pituitary glands, heart have also been reported. Patients who have a blood relative with MEN 1 have a higher chance of developing Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome later in life.
Regarding the category of patients affected, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome mainly affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 60. The prevalence of this condition is unknown, but some studies suggest that it occurs in 1 in 100,000 people.1
Symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome are similar to peptic ulcers, and include:
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhea with fatty steatoreea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome – Treatment
Effective treatment methods for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome have been shown to be proton pump inhibitor drugs (such as omeprazole and lansoprazole), but also drugs that inhibit gastric acid production (eg famotidine and ranitidine). Adverse effects of prolonged drug use based on proton pump inhibitors may be problematic for patients over 50 years of age who may develop an increased risk of hip or hip fractures.
If the symptoms do not improve after this treatment, the doctor may consider that surgery is needed to remove the tumors from the pancreas. In the case of metastases reached the liver and lymph nodes, chemotherapy may also be needed.
In order to reduce the effects of excess gastric acidity, it is important for patients to also maintain a carefully monitored diet based on fresh fruits and vegetables and white meat. Patients also have to give up smoking and alcohol, which can harm the entire body, not just the gastrointestinal system.
When to go to the doctor
If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux that is not responsive to regular medication without a prescription, you should see a gastroenterologist. Especially if you also suffer from nausea and dizziness or vomiting with blood. Only the gastroenterologist will be able to differentiate between gastric disorders by a differentiated diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose, which is why it is important to go to the doctor often and perform the necessary tests for screening.
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