Gastrinoma

A gastrinoma is a tumor in the pancreas or duodenum that secretes excess of gastrin leading to ulceration in the duodenum, stomach and the small intestine. There is hypersecretion of the HCl in the duodenum which causes the ulcers. HCl also causes hyperperistalsis and inhibits the activity of lipase causing severe diarrhoea.

It is frequently the source of the gastrin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

It is most commonly found in the duodenum (50-70%) and less commonly in the pancreas (20-40%). Those occurring in the pancreas have a greater potential for malignancy.

Clinical Picture
Gastrinoma causes following symptoms:
 * Hypergastrinaemia
 * Ulcers of the duodenum, stomach, and small intestine.
 * Severe diarrhoea.
 * Generalised cancer symptoms.

Diagnostics
1- Fasting Serum Gastrin. 2- In case of moderate hypergastrinoma, secretin test can help in the dignosis.

Treatment
Treatment can involve surgery or proton pump inhibitors.