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Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which a tumor called a gastrinoma forms in the pancreas or small intestine. The tumor releases a hormone called gastrin that causes production of excess stomach acid.

Almost all people who have Zollinger-Ellison syndrome get an ulcer at some point, usually in the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Ulcers produced by this disease are more difficult to cure than ulcers from other causes.

In about half of the people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the tumors (gastrinomas) are cancerous and can spread to the lymph nodes and liver.

The main treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is removal of the tumors and taking acid-suppressing medicine called proton pump inhibitors.

Last Revised: January 4, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology

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