What is Gastrinoma of the Pancreas?
A gastrinoma is a type of endocrine tumour that secretes the hormone gastrin and originates from gastrin-secreting pancreatic cells. It usually originates from the head or neck part of the pancreas. The tumour has malignant potential and can spread to other distant parts of the body. Gastrinoma can also originate from the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) and common bile duct (a tube-like structure that collects and deliver bile from the gall bladder to the small intestine). In 50% of patients with the gastrinoma pancreas, these tumours can be cancerous and can spread to the liver and can spread to other distant parts of the body. The five-year survival rate is 20-30%. While in cases where the tumour has spread to the liver and lymph nodes, the remaining life expectancy is less than 1 year.Disease Epidemiology
Gastrinoma tumours of the pancreas account for approximately 2% of all types of pancreatic tumours. These tumours are more common in men than in women. It is more common in people aged 30-50 years.Disease Causes
Uncontrolled division or multiplication of cells that produce gastrin, due to a genetic mutation, is the cause of the development of pancreatic gastrinoma. Gastrin is a hormone that increases the production of stomach acid to aid in the digestion of food.Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are- Pain in the abdomen
- Heartburn or chest pain (indigestion)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Lose motion
- Blood with the vomiting or stool (motion)
- Bitter taste in the mouth
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are- Complete blood count ( CBC)
- Blood coagulation profile (for example partial thromboplastin time PTT, international normalized ratio INR)
- Serum electrolyte levels
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Abdominal USG, CT scan and MRI
- Immunohistochemical staining
Treatment
The selection of suitable treatment depends upon multiple factors like the size, number, and location of the tumour. Other factors are the overall performance of the pancreas, presence or absence of the spread of the tumour to the liver, nearby lymph nodes and other distant parts of the body, presence or absence of the Liver cirrhosis, its extent, and risk involved in the case of surgery due to the extent of the cirrhosis. On behalf of the above mentioned factors there are the following treatment options;- Resection; surgical removal of the tumour along with some healthy tissues from the surroundings of the tumour to stop the spread of cancer in the early stage of cancer.
- Radiofrequency Ablation; is a non-surgical technique to kill and stop the spread of cancer cells in cases where surgery is not a suitable option.
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted immunotherapy
What Support can we Give for Gastrinoma of the Pancreas?
Gastrinoma of the Pancreas of the Urinary Bladder is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Gastrinoma of the Pancreas, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.
