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Islet disease is a condition associated with the formation of cells that affect the production and release of hormones into the blood in the form of glucagon and insulin. These two hormones are very important for the biochemistry of the human body because they act antagonistically and regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates.
What are pancreatic islet diseases?
Pancreatic islet disease is an accumulation of cells that causes insulin and glucagon to be produced and released into the bloodstream. These are hormones that regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and act antagonistically. Cells usually form nodules which can be benign or malignant and, depending on their type, can cause endocrine disruptions. The symptoms of changes depend on the hormones they affect.
The pancreatic islets secrete two hormones which are very important for the biochemistry of the human body, which are responsible for the transformation of carbohydrates in the body, although they act antagonistically. These are:
- glucagon – causes an increase in blood glucose and an increased breakdown of complex sugars into simple sugars,
- insulin – reduces blood glucose levels while converting simple sugars into complex sugars.
Disturbances in the harmonious functional cooperation of these two hormones are manifested by disturbances in the carbohydrate metabolism.
Pancreatic islet diseases – types of tumors
Islet tumors are divided into:
1. non-functional – the nodules produce a substance that gives no symptoms. This usually causes the problem to grow and spread. Non-functional tumors are usually malignant lesions,
2. functional – unlike non-functional ones, they give some symptoms, are quite rare and can be divided into 3 types:
- insulinoma: these are cancer cells that produce insulin to control blood sugar
- gastrinomas: these are nodules that grow out of pancreatic islet cells and produce gastrin, which in turn is responsible for the release of digestive acid in the stomach,
- Glukagonoma: These are nodules that affect the release of glucose or sugar from the liver into the blood.
Somatostatinomas may also appear, which produce the hormone somatostatin responsible for regulating sugar, salt and water in the body. However, it is worth noting that this type of pancreatic islet disease is very rare.
Pancreatic islet diseases – causes
Pancreatic islet disease is associated with the so-called type 1 endocrine neoplasia syndrome or the presence of this disease in close family members. The syndrome occurs when one or more endocrine glands appear, and when a tumor grows or becomes overactive. In addition, the disease can affect the pituitary gland, pancreas or parathyroid glands.
Pancreatic islet symptoms
The symptoms associated with pancreatic islet disease vary, depending on the type of cancer cells and the type of hormones that are released into the bloodstream. Excessive growth of insulin-producing cells causes pulsatile increases in blood insulin levels and periods of sudden, paroxysmal lowering of blood glucose – i.e. states of hypoglycaemia.
They run from:
- weakening,
- feeling hungry
- fatigue,
- zimnymi potami,
- convulsions
- and sometimes loss of consciousness,
Accompanying symptoms non-functional nodules are associated with the growth and spread of cancer. We include among them:
- weight gain around the abdomen,
- enlargement of neoplastic changes,
- back pain
- stomach pain,
- indigestion,
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
Symptoms of gastrinoma nodules:
- diarrhea,
- reflux,
- stomach ulcers,
- stomach pain.
Symptoms of glucagonomy:
- diarrhea,
- the appearance of a rash on the face, abdomen and legs,
- ulcers on the tongue and in the mouth,
- significant weight loss,
- high blood sugar, accompanied by hunger, thirst, headaches and frequent urination
- blood clots causing chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and pain and swelling in extremities.
Symptoms of insulinoma:
- headaches and dizziness, convulsions, hunger and irritability due to low blood sugar levels,
- high heart rate.
Diagnosis of pancreatic islet disease
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the patient’s medical history and a medical examination. Additionally, blood tests are performed to determine the increased concentration of hormones in the form of glucagon, insulin and gastrin. Additionally, it is recommended to measure the level of glucose in the blood.
To assess the nature of changes on the pancreatic islets, the following are performed:
- ultrasound examination,
- computed tomography,
- magnetic resonance imaging,
- endoscopic examination.
Pancreatic islet diseases – treatment
The treatment of pancreatic islets focuses primarily on the operation of the surgery during which the nodules are removed. In the case of a malignant tumor, the patient must undergo chemotherapy to help reduce the size of the tumor and pharmacological treatment that in turn alleviates symptoms caused by the excessive production of hormones. Surgery works, but as cancer cells spread throughout the body, the effects are much smaller.