Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Prognosis and Diagnosis

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a very uncommon disorder which leads to the formation of one or multiple tumors in the pancreas or duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). It can also lead to the formation of ulcers in the duodenum and stomach.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome can affect people of any age. However, the age group from 30 to 60 is most likely to develop this syndrome. Of all the people who have the problem of peptic ulcers, only a very small percentage of people are likely to have this syndrome.

Symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome may lead to:

Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

The treatment of this condition is directed on two fronts – treating the tumors and treating the ulcers.

Treating the tumors:

If only one tumor is there then surgery could be preferable. If the tumor is on the liver then the cancerous portion of the liver may be removed.

Where surgery of the tumor is not possible then the following treatment may be used:

Treating the ulcers:

Proton pump inhibitors such as Protonix (Pantoprazole) have been found to be a very effective treatment for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. This medication is quite powerful and works by suppressing acid production and aids healing.

Acid blockers (histamine H-2 blockers) are effective medications that decrease the amount of hydrochloric acid released in the digestive system. This leads to decrease in the ulcer pain. This action also promotes healing.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Prognosis:

In half of the cases with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, the tumors are cancerous. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment may achieve a cure rate of 20% to 25%.

The problem is, the tumors grow very slowly and it may be quite some time when the tumor becomes a bother and is eventually discovered.

The other problem of excessive acid in the stomach can be controlled with acid-suppressing medications.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Diagnosis:

Blood test:

A blood test reveals the levels of gastrin in the blood. Elevated levels of gastrin are a signs of tumors in the pancreas or duodenum.

Barium X-ray:

The patient is made to drink a liquid that contains barium. This chemical coats the walls of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. When an x-ray is then taken the ulcers become easily visible.

Upper endoscopy:

The insides of the food pipe, stomach and duodenum can be examined with an endoscopy. Ulcers can be identified with this process and a sample of the relevant tissue can also be taken for testing to determine the presence of any tumors.

Imaging techniques:

Computerized tomography scan, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging scan or a nuclear scan can be utilized to pinpoint the location of the tumors.