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Chapter 5 Pancreatic Endocrine Tumours |
Pancreatic endocrine tumours are the second most common neuroendocrine tumours. These tumours start in the pancreas from specialized cells that make hormones like insulin, gastrin, glucagon, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP).
Pancreatic tumours that are functional or secreting cause changes in your blood values, which can make you feel sick. Octreotide can be used to block these hormones. When the hormones are blocked, people tend to feel better. Ongoing changes of these medicines is often needed.
Pancreatic tumours can change your blood sugar levels. You may need medicine to help control your levels. If part of your pancreas has been removed, you may need to take pancreatic enzyme capsules to help you digest food. Octreotide may also block pancreatic enzymes that help digest fat. This can result in your stools becoming pale, foul smelling and floating in the toilet. This cancer is very different from the more common pancreatic cancer that comes from the digestive enzyme producing cells.
Pancreas and nearby Organs
About 33 to 50% of pancreatic tumours are non‐functional. This means they do not secrete hormones. Over time, however, they can change and become hormone secreting.
Pancreatic Tumour Symptom Chart
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Chapter 6 >> Pheochromocytoma &Paraganglioma |