Learn About VIPoma
VIPoma is a very rare cancer that usually grows from cells in the pancreas called islet cells.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumor; VIPoma syndrome; Pancreatic endocrine tumor; Verner-Morrison syndrome; WDHA
VIPoma causes cells in the pancreas to produce a high level of a hormone called vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). This hormone increases secretions from the intestines. It also relaxes some of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal system.
The exact cause of VIPomas is not known.
VIPomas are often diagnosed in adults, most commonly around age 50. Women are more likely to be affected than men. This cancer is rare. Each year, only about 1 in 1 million people are diagnosed with a VIPoma.
Symptoms of VIPoma may include any of the following:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea (watery, and often in large amounts)
- Dehydration
- Flushing or redness of the face
- Muscle cramps due to low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
- Nausea
- Weight loss
The first goal of treatment is to correct dehydration. Fluids are often given through a vein (intravenous fluids) to replace fluids lost through diarrhea.
The next goal is to slow the diarrhea. Medicines can help regulate diarrhea. One such medicine is octreotide. It is a manmade form of a natural hormone that blocks the action of VIP.
The best chance of a cure is surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor has not spread to other organs, surgery can often cure the condition.
Century Medical & Dental Center
Anzhela Dvorkina is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician with over 30 years of experience. Doctor Anzhela Dvorkina graduated from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in the year 1983 and was awarded the doctor of medicine degree. Since then she has received numerous awards from local authorities in the state of New York. Dr. Dvorkina is currently working at Century Medical & Dental Center. Her main goal is to help her patients go through any health problems with dedicated support and professionalism. Dr. Dvorkina is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VIPoma. Her top areas of expertise are Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, High Cholesterol, and Obesity.
University Hospitals Medical Group Inc
Jeffrey Hardacre is a General Surgeon and a Surgical Oncologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Hardacre is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VIPoma. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Insulinoma, Pancreatectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Dr. Hardacre is currently accepting new patients.
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr And Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
Mokenge Malafa is a General Surgeon and a Surgical Oncologist in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Malafa is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VIPoma. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatectomy, and Small Bowel Resection. Dr. Malafa is currently accepting new patients.
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.
Surgery can usually cure VIPomas. But, in one third to one half of people, the tumor has spread by the time of diagnosis and cannot be cured. However, it grows fairly slowly, and its effects often can be regulated by octreotide.
Complications may include:
- Cancer spread (metastases)
- Cardiac arrest from low blood potassium level
- Dehydration
If you have watery diarrhea for more than 2 to 3 days, contact your provider.
Summary: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disease with a high degree of penetrance (\>80% of patients). It is caused by the presence of the MEN1 mutation located on chromosome 11q13. The prevalence of this mutation is estimated at approximately 1/30,000. This hereditary syndrome is characterized by the presence of tumours of the endocrine system (adenoma of the parathyroi...
Published Date: October 01, 2024
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Asban A, Patel AJ, Reddy S, Wang T, Balentine CJ, Chen H. Cancer of the endocrine system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 68.
De Herder WW, Feelders RA, Hofland J. Neuroendocrine tumors and disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 43.
National Cancer Institute website. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors) treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/hp/pnet-treatment-pdq. Updated August 16, 2024. Accessed October 15, 2024.