Alternative Names
Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumor; Pancreatic endocrine tumor
Definition of VIPoma
VIPoma is a very rare type of cancer that usually grows from certain cells in the pancreas.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
VIPoma causes cells in the pancreas to produce high levels of a hormone called vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). This hormone increases secretions from the intestines and relaxes some of the smooth muscles in the GI system.
Signs and tests
Signs may include:
Treatment
The first goal of treatment is to correct dehydration. Fluids are often given through a vein (intravenous fluids) to replace fluids lost in diarrhea.
Expectations (prognosis)
Surgery can usually cure VIPomas. However, in one-third to one-half of patients, the tumors have spread by the time of diagnosis and are not curable.
Review
Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/4/2008
