VIPoma (patient information)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assosciate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Prashanth Saddala M.B.B.S Homa Najafi, M.D.[2]

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Overview

VIPoma is a very rare type of cancer that usually grows from cells in the pancreas called islet cells.

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.

The cause is not known.

VIPomas are usually diagnosed in adults, most commonly at age 50. Women are more likely to be affected than men. This cancer is rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 million people per year.

Signs may include:

Tests include:

The first goal of treatment is to correct dehydration.
Fluids are often given through a vein (intravenous fluids) to replace fluids lost in diarrhea.
The next goal is to slow the diarrhea.
- Some medications can help control diarrhea.
- Octreotide, which is a human-made form of a natural hormone, blocks the action of VIP.

The best chance for a cure is surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor has not spread to other organs, surgery can often cure the condition.

Medical care for VIPoma can be found here.

There are no established preventive measures for VIPoma

Surgery can usually cure VIPomas. However, in one-third to one-half of patients, the tumor has spread by the time of diagnosis and cannot be cured.