Functional Tumor Syndromes

CARCINOID SYNDROME usually arises from NETs in the small intestine or lung due to the overproduction of serotonin, which may trigger severe diarrhea, dry flushing of the skin, night sweats, and/or wheezing. Carcinoid syndrome diarrhea and its treatments can lead to pellagra, a niacin-deficiency disorder.

ZOLLINGER ELLISON SYNDROME results from a NET of the pancreas or duodenum and produces excessive levels of the digestive hormone gastrin. This tumor is also called a gastrinoma. Symptoms include diarrhea, severe ulceration of the stomach or small bowel, heartburn and abdominal pain.

GLUCAGONOMA usually begins in the pancreas. The overproduction of the hormone glucagon raises the concentration of glucose and fatty acids in the blood and can cause diabetes, severe weight loss, severe rashes, and blood clots.

INSULINOMA almost always begins in the pancreas. It over produces the hormone insulin. Uncontrolled insulin levels can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can lead to serious medical conditions.

VIPOMA usually arises in the pancreas and may overproduce a hormone that can cause prolonged watery diarrhea and dehydration. Patients may experience muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting and crampy abdominal pain.

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA arises in the adrenal glands and can release hormones that may raise blood pressure and cause heart palpitations, headaches and excessive sweating.

PARAGANGLIOMA appears in the head, neck, or torso and may secrete hormones that can cause episodes of high blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, headache and tremors.