VIPoma (patient information)

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

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea (watery, and often in large amounts)
• Flushing or redness of the face
• Nausea
• Weight loss

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:

• Dehydration
• High volume of diarrhea (even without eating)
• Low stomach acid (achlorhydria)
• Low blood potassium hypokalemia, which can cause leg cramps

Tests include:

• Blood chemistry tests (basic or comprehensive metabolic panel)
• CT scan of the abdomen
• MRI of the abdomen
• Stool examination for cause of diarrhea and electrolyte levels
• Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) level in the blood

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop symptoms of VIPoma

• 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.

• Cancer spread (metastasis)
• Cardiac arrest from low blood potassium level
• Dehydration

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001275/