Cancer
Even though there are 100 different types of cancer, each one begins in your cells, your body's basic building blocks. When the cell creation process goes awry, abnormal cells are produced that can grow uncontrollably and cause cancer. When excessive cells form, benign or malignant tumors can develop throughout your body.
While benign tumors aren't cancerous, malignant ones can invade healthy tissue and spread to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.
Early detection and treatment is key to fighting cancer.
Recently Answered
- Q How many different types of functional islet cell tumors are there?
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Most functional islet cell tumors fall into one of three categories; gastrinomas, insulinomas, or glucagonomas. Gastrinomas cause an increase in the hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid, and therefore lead to problems with digestion.... Full Answer
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- Q How is a CT scan used in diagnosis of islet cell tumors?
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A CT scan (or CAT scan) is a diagnostic test that is sometimes used to diagnose tumors, such as islet cell tumors. A special type of dye might or might not be injected into the person's vein before the test. During a CT scan, the person lies on a flat... Full Answer
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- Q How is an MRI used in diagnosis of islet cell tumors?
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Magnetic resonance imaging is abbreviated MRI. An MRI might be one test a doctor will use to diagnose a pancreatic endocrine islet cell tumor. Before an MRI is done, a dye is injected into a vein of the person undergoing the test. This dye is attracted... Full Answer
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- Q Why can islet cell tumors cause such a wide variety of symptoms?
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The pancreas normally produces many different hormones, and each of these hormones is responsible for a certain body function. Therefore, the pancreas (and its associated hormones) controls a number of processes in the body. A functional islet cell tumor... Full Answer
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- Q Can a clinical trial be used to treat islet cell tumors?
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Clinical trials are treatments that use experimental drugs or methods. Clinical trials might be an option if your islet cell tumor has gotten worse, even though you have tried other treatment options. They are usually based on the latest treatment... Full Answer
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- Q How is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome related to islet cell tumors?
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Islet cell tumors can develop in pancreatic cells that are responsible for production of a hormone called gastrin. These tumors lead to overproduction of gastrin, a scenario also known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome leads to... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to a doctor about a pancreatic endocrine islet cell tumor?
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You should talk to your doctor upon onset of any pancreatic endocrine islet cell tumor symptoms. The disease can negatively affect many aspects of your health, including critical blood sugar levels. Early diagnosis and treatment will also increase the... Full Answer
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- Q What are functional and nonfunctional islet cell tumors?
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There are two general types of islet cell tumors of the pancreas; functional and nonfunctional. Both types can increase hormone levels, but the hormones released by functional islet cell tumors produce symptoms, whereas those released by nonfunctional... Full Answer
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- Q What is removed during surgery for an islet cell tumor?
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The amount of tissue removed during surgery for an islet cell tumor depends on many factors and varies from case-to-case. Surgeries for the disease can remove just the tumor(s), the tumor(s) and part(s) of the pancreas, or the tumor(s), part(s) of the... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for islet cell tumors?
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Some pancreatic endocrine islet cell tumors are cancerous. Unfortunately, no alternative medicines have been scientifically shown to cure cancer. Some alternative treatments may actually cause harm by being toxic or reducing the effectiveness of... Full Answer
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