Ulcerogenic Tumors - Disorders of the Pancreas

ULCEROGENIC TUMORS

Some tumors of the islets of Langerhans are associated with hy-persecretion of gastric acid that produces ulcers in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum. The result is referred to as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The hypersecretion is so great that even afterpartial gastric resection, enough acid is produced to cause fur-ther ulceration. When a marked tendency to develop gastric and duodenal ulcers is noted, an ulcerogenic tumor of the islets of Langerhans is considered.

These tumors, which may be benign or malignant, are treated, when possible, by excision. Frequently, however, because of ex-tension beyond the pancreas, removal is not possible. In many pa-tients, a total gastrectomy may be necessary to reduce the secretion of gastric acid sufficiently to prevent further ulceration.