Somatostatinoma

Somatostatinoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that usually develops in the pancreas or duodenum and may produce excess somatostatin, a hormone that suppresses several digestive and metabolic functions. It often causes vague symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, jaundice, and in some cases the classic “somatostatinoma syndrome” with diabetes, gallstones, steatorrhea, and low stomach acid. Because the symptoms are non-specific, diagnosis is often delayed until the tumor has grown or spread.

Treatment usually depends on the size and location of the tumor, but surgery is the main option when the disease is localized. Advanced cases may need additional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted medicines.