gastrinoma
Pronunciation: gas-tri-NO-mah
A neuroendocrine tumor that secretes excessive gastrin, typically causing peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea.
Full Definition
A gastrinoma is a gastrin-secreting neuroendocrine tumor most commonly located in the duodenum or pancreas as part of the gastrinoma triangle. These tumors cause Zollinger-Ellison syndrome through hypergastrinemia, leading to gastric acid hypersecretion, recurrent peptic ulcers, and secretory diarrhea. Gastrinomas may occur sporadically or as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Diagnosis requires demonstration of elevated fasting serum gastrin levels in the setting of gastric acid hypersecretion. Approximately 60% of gastrinomas are malignant with potential for lymph node and liver metastases.
Usage
Usage note: Part of the functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor classification.
In Context
- "Endoscopic ultrasound identified a 1.2 cm gastrinoma in the duodenal wall." — Endoscopy report
- "The markedly elevated gastrin levels were consistent with gastrinoma in the setting of MEN1 syndrome." — Endocrinology consultation