ISLET CELL CANCER

Overview and Facts

Islet cell cancer, otherwise called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, are a kind of cancer that may develop in the pancreas’ hormone-producing cells. This condition is very rare. Usually, it begins with islet cells present in the pancreas.

Moreover, some islet cell cancer continues to generate hormones, resulting in excess of the hormone in your body. Gastrinoma and glucagonoma are two examples of these sorts. These tumors don’t always secrete an excessive amount of these hormones.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Types of Islet cell cancer include:

  • Insulinoma
  • VIPoma (Verner-Morrison syndrome)
  • Gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
  • Somatostatinoma
  • Glucagonoma

SYMPTOMS

Islet cell cancer may not always cause symptoms. When they do, the following signs and symptoms may occur: 

  • Heartburn
  • Weakness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Skin rash
  • Pain in your back and abdomen
  • Low blood sugar
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Diabetes
  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation
  • Yellowing of your eyes or skin

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

When it comes to diagnosing islet cell cancer, the following tests and techniques are used:

  • Blood tests. This test is used to detect excess hormones.
  • Urine Tests. This test may help show hormone breakdown products.
  • Image Tests. This test may help your doctor find pancreatic anomalies. MRI, ultrasound, and CT may be used.

In addition, a radioactive tracer may also be infused in your body for a nuclear imaging test like PET. The tracer adheres to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, allowing them to be seen clearly on PET images produced with CT or MRI.

    • Creating pictures of your pancreas from the inside. Endoscopic ultrasonography involves passing a tiny tube with a camera down your neck into your stomach and small intestine. Tissue samples may be collected using special equipment (biopsy).
  • Surgical cell collection for testing. By making tiny incisions in your abdomen, laparoscopy can check for indications of cancer. The surgeon examines the interior of your body with sophisticated instruments and a small camera for signs of tumor growth.
  • Testing other regions’ cells. They will use a needle to collect cells for examination if cancer has progressed to the liver or lymph nodes.

TREATMENT

The treatment for islet cell cancer depends on cancer’s size and features, your preferences, and your general health. 

Some options are:

  • Surgery
  • Targeted therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Cancer treatment that has already infected the liver
  • Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)

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