Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
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Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which a tumor called a gastrinoma forms in the pancreas or small intestine. The tumor releases a hormone called gastrin that causes production of excess stomach acid.
Almost all people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome get an ulcer at some point, usually in the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Ulcers produced by this disease are more difficult to cure than ulcers from other causes.
In about half of the people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the tumors (gastrinomas) are cancerous and can spread to the lymph nodes and liver.
The main treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is removal of the tumors and taking acid-suppressing medication called proton pump inhibitors.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | April 11, 2008 |
| Last updated: | April 11, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer |
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