1. Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Pancreatic islet cell tumors are very uncommon in adults. Islet cell tumors are a mass of abnormal cells that gather together in the pancreas. You can have active and non-active islet cell tumors. The islet cell tumors come from neuroendocrine cells and are usually slow growing tumors. They are classified as active (functional) and non active (non-functioning) tumors. The active tumors secrete excessive amounts of hormones to easily detect them in your body.
2. Cause of Islet Cell Tumors
Researchers are not sure what causes islet cell tumors. There are no known risk factors associated with developing an islet cell tumor. Researchers believe a precursor to the islet cell tumors may include a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type one (MEN1), a hereditary condition that causes tumors in the pituitary, parathyroid and pancreas.
3. Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
Examination of the tissue usually doesn't determine if the islet cell tumor is active or non-active. Active islet cell tumors produce excessive hormones that are detectable in laboratory blood testing. These hormones are insulin, gastrin or glucagon. Non-active tumors are identified with a CT scan, usually ordered because of abdominal pain. They can grow undetected for years with no symptoms. When the active islet cell tumors secrete hormones, they may be only one millimeter in size. To identify where exactly the tumor lies in the pancreas, doctors use a sophisticated machine called an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).
4. Options for Treatment
Doctors use treatment options such as surgical removal of the infected area of the pancreas, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for active islet cell tumors. Your doctor will recommend surgery if your islet cell tumor is non-active. Your doctor will determine how much of your pancreas to remove based on where the islet cell tumor resides. If your tumor progress slowly or if you cannot have surgery, your doctor may recommend watching the tumor to determine the best course of treatment.
5. Future Prevention And Follow-Up
After surgery, follow-up with your doctor with physical exams and laboratory blood tests to ensure that your last islet cell tumor disappeared. Continue to take chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate any possible abnormal islet cell that may exist. There is no known prevention. If you have the heredity condition MEN1, consult your doctor for test in detecting an islet cell tumor.
