Symptomatic Gastrinoma - Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

What are the treatments for the condition?

The ideal treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is surgery to remove of the tumor or tumors. Once the gastrinoma is located, surgery is advised for a person in whom the tumor has not spread to other parts of the body.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be located, the treatment is to reduce stomach acid. Medications such as omeprazole and lansoprazole are most commonly used. In some cases, surgery may be needed to help reduce stomach acid.

Chemotherapy may be advised for quickly growing tumors that have spread to other parts of the body. However, this treatment often does not work well.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia. The most common side effects of the medications used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome include headache, diarrhea, abdominal distress, nausea, dizziness, rash, and cough.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the gastrinoma is removed with surgery and there is no evidence of spread to other organs, the person may be cured. These people can often lead a normal life free of ulcer symptoms. However, many people may need ongoing medication to reduce stomach acid and to prevent and heal ulcers.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. Blood tests and other types of tests may also be used for monitoring in some cases.