What is Gastrinoma of the Stomach?
Gastrinoma stomach is a tumour that arises from the gastrin-releasing cells of the stomach. Gastrinoma of the duodenum and pancreas are the most common gastrin-releasing tumours, while gastrinoma of the stomach is less common. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of stomach acid (HCL).Stomach acid aids in food digestion and mobility.Disease Etiology of Gastrinoma Stomach
The cause of stomach gastrinoma is a genetic mutation (alteration) in the tumour suppressor genes present on chromosome number 11.Disease Epidemiology
The results of a comparative study of gastric and non-gastric gastrinomas showed that stomach or gastric carcinomas usually affects older people, and the tumour is relatively small in size with a higher level of gastric acid releasing hormone. It also tends to relapse. It is usually common in males as compared to females.Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are- Persistent pain in the abdomen
- Black coloured stool
- Vomiting
- Vomiting of blood
- Heart burning (burning sensation at chest)
- Diarrhea
- Fatty or greasy stools that are difficult to wash off
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests can be used to make a diagnosis. These are- Fasting serum gastrin
- Secretin stimulation test
- Basal acid output