Somatostatinoma
Overview
Somatostatinoma is a rare endocrine pancreatic tumor that secretes excesses of the hormone "somatostatin". that secretes excesses of the hormone "somatostatin
Symptoms
Excess somatostatin Mild hyperglycemia Gallstones Malabsorption Excessive fat in faeces
Causes
Researchers have found that cancer develops from mutations within the genes of cells. Thus, cancer is a genetic disease. Cancer susceptibility genes are of two types. Some are oncogenes, which activate cell division and influence embryonic development, and some are tumor suppressor genes, which halt cell division. These genes are typically found in normal human cells, but certain kinds of mutations may transform the normal cells. Inherited defects may cause a genetic mutation, whereas exposure to a carcinogen may cause an acquired mutation. Current evidence indicates that carcinogenesis results from a complex interaction of carcinogens and accumulated mutations in several genes. In animal studies of the ability of viruses to transform cells, some human viruses exhibit carcinogenic potential. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus, the cause of infectious mononucleosis, has been linked to Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal cancer. High-frequency radiation, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, damages the genetic material known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), possibly inducing genetically transferable abnormalities. Other factors, such as a person's tissue type and hormonal status, interact to potentiate radiation's carcinogenic effect. Examples of substances that may damage DNA and induce carcinogenesis include: ❑alkylating agents — leukemia ❑aromatic hydrocarbons and benzopyrene (from polluted air) — lung cancer ❑asbestos — mesothelioma of the lung ❑tobacco — cancer of the lung, oral cavity and upper airways, esophagus, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder ❑vinyl chloride — angiosarcoma of the liver. Diet has also been implicated, especially in the development of GI cancer as a result of a high animal fat diet. Additives composed of nitrates and certain methods of food preparation — particularly charbroiling — are also recognized factors.
Diagnosis
Home medical testing related to Somatostatinoma: Colon & Rectal Cancer: Home Testing Home Colorectal Cancer Tests Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Tests
Treatment
Medical Care Chemotherapeutic treatment of metastatic somatostatinoma usually consists of combination treatment with intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and streptozotocin. Somatostatinomas are very rare; therefore, assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy is difficult, although up to 50% of patients have had an objective humoral and clinical response to this treatment. Doxorubicin and 5-FU have also been used and may be a more effective combination. Palliative hepatic embolization or chemoembolization is another treatment option for patients with unresectable hepatic metastatic disease. Patients with metastatic and unresectable somatostatinomas also require specific symptomatic treatments. Associated diabetes can usually be controlled with oral agents and rarely requires the use of insulin. Pancreatic enzyme supplementation is useful to reduce diarrhea and steatorrhea. Surgical Care Surgical resection is the only option that offers the hope of cure. The goals of surgical therapy are the same as for any pancreatic endocrine neoplasm, as follows: To control symptoms of hormone excess To safely resect maximal tumor mass To preserve maximal pancreatic parenchyma