The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) describe carcinoids and gastrinomas as distinct tumors of pancreatic cancer. Produced by different cells in the pancreas, these tumors affect separate body organs, have diverse risks and do not respond to the same treatments.
Types
Carcinoid tumors (gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors) are produced from the exocrine cells of the pancreas, where the digestive enzymes are made. They form in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system), affecting the body's ability to break down food and eliminate waste.
Gastrinomas form in the endocrine cells of the pancreas, where the hormone gastrin is produced. Also known as endocrine tumors (or islet cell tumors), they develop in the head of the pancreas (sometimes in the small intestine) allowing the over-production of stomach acid.
Signs/Symptoms
Symptoms of a carcinoid tumor may include diarrhea, wheezing, fast heartbeat, fatigue or swelling of the feet and ankles. Those of gastrinoma tumors may include recurring stomach ulcers, pain in abdomen, acid reflux and diarrhea.
Risk Factors
A person diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 syndrome is at risk of developing gastrinoma. But someone who has a family history of MEN type 1, smokes tobacco and has a pre-existing condition that prevents the stomach from producing acid is at risk for carcinoid tumors.
Test
Blood and urine tests and a physical exam are used to detect carcinoid tumors; various acid secretion assessments and a calcium infusion analysis are used to diagnose gastrinoma.
Outlook
Treatments for carcinoid and gastrinoma tumors may depend on the size of the tumors, location of the tumors in the pancreas, any pre-existing conditions such as MEN type 1 syndrome and if the tumors have spread to other parts of the body.
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