What is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare disorder that causes one or more tumors to form in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. It can also cause ulcers to develop in the stomach and the duodenum.
The tumors are called gastrinomas, and they secrete a large amount of the hormone gastrin. This then causes an excessive production of stomach acid, which can lead to peptic ulcers.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is rare, and though it may occur at any age, people between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to develop it. Also, of all the people who suffer with a peptic ulcer, only a tiny percentage of those people will have Zollinger-Ellison.
The tumors are cancerous in 50 percent of the cases. They secrete a hormone called gastrin that causes the stomach to produce too much acid, which in turn causes stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers). The ulcers caused by ZES are less responsive to treatment than ordinary peptic ulcers. What causes people with ZES to develop tumors is unknown, but approximately 25 percent of ZES cases are associated with a genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia.
Symptoms:
1. Gnawing, burning pain in the abdomen
2. Sensation of bloating or fullness
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Black tarry stools
Causes of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by a tumor (gastrinoma) or tumors in the pancreas and the upper small bowel (duodenum). These tumors produce the hormone gastrin and are called gastrinomas. High levels of gastrin cause overproduction of stomach acid. This increase in acidity can lead to the development of peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
Treatment for tumors in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Surgery is often performed if there is only one tumor. If tumors are in the liver, a surgeon will remove as much of a liver tumor as possible (debulking).
When surgery on tumors isn't possible, other treatments are used:
* Attempting to destroy the tumor by cutting off the blood supply (embolization).
* Attempting to destroy cancer cells by using an electric current (radio-frequency ablation).
* Injecting drugs into the tumor to relieve cancer symptoms.
* Using chemotherapy to try to slow tumor growth.
