Complications of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
In 50 percent of cases of Zollinger-Ellison, the tumors are cancerous (malignant). If the tumors are cancerous, there is a risk that the cancer will spread to the liver, the lymph nodes near the pancreas and small intestine.
Other Complication of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Severe ulcers that may lead to the development of a hole in the bowel
- Blood loss
- Chronic diarrhea
- Weight loss
Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
The treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome focuses on two areas: Treating the tumors and treating the ulcers.
Treatment for tumors in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Surgery is often performed if there is only one tumor. If tumors are in the liver, a surgeon will remove as much of a liver tumor as possible (debulking).When surgery on tumors isn't possible, other treatments are used:
- Attempting to destroy the tumor by cutting off the blood supply (embolization).
- Attempting to destroy cancer cells by using an electric current (radio-frequency ablation).
- Injecting drugs into the tumor to relieve cancer symptoms.
- Using chemotherapy to try to slow tumor growth.
Treatment for ulcers in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Proton pump inhibitors.These are the most effective medications for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Proton pump inhibitors are quite powerful and suppress acid production and promote healing. Examples of proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Aciphex, and Protonix.
Acid blockers.
These are also called histamine (H-2) blockers. These medications reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid released into the digestive tract. This helps to relieve ulcer pain and encourage healing. Acid blockers work by keeping histamine from reaching histamine receptors. Histamine receptors signal acid-secreting cells in the stomach to release hydrochloric acid. Examples of acid blockers include Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac, and Axid.
Acid blockers don't work as well as proton pump inhibitors do, and may not be prescribed by the doctor. For those people who do use acid blockers, they need high, frequent doses for them to be effective.
Prognosis for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
As stated above, in 50 percent of cases of Zollinger-Ellison, the tumors are cancerous. Early diagnosis and surgical invention can achieve a cure rate of only 20% to 25%. However, medical information states that gastrinomas are slow growing, and patients may live for many years after a tumor is discovered. Acid-suppressing medications are very effective at controlling the symptoms of acid overproduction.**********
All information in this article has been provided for educational purposes only. For a diagnosis, you need to see your health care provider. At this time all aspects of this condition, along with treatment options and ongoing care and monitoring of the condition, should be discussed with your doctor. After diagnosis, if you should experience and new or worsening symptoms, these should be reported to your doctor.
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Part 1: Symptoms - Causes - Diagnosis
Part 2: Complications - Treatment - Prognosis
