VIPomaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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 primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Dvorkina is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VIPoma. She is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, High Cholesterol, and Obesity.
Detlef Bartsch practices practicing medicine in Marburg An Der Lahn, Germany. Bartsch is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of VIPoma. They are also highly rated in 27 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, VIPoma, Parathyroidectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Louis De Mestier practices practicing medicine in Clichy-sous-bois, France. Mr. De Mestier is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of VIPoma. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Liver Embolization, and Pancreatectomy.
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.
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