VIPomas are cancerous tumors that affect a type of hormone-secreting cell in the pancreas. VIPomas cause diarrhea , hypokalemia ( low blood potassium ), and a decrease in the amount of acid in the stomach.
Alternative Names
Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumor; Pancreatic endocrine tumor
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
VIPomas affect cells in the pancreas that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The cancer causes symptoms by producing high levels of this hormone. The cause is not known. VIPomas are usually diagnosed in adulthood, most commonly at age 50 or so. Women are more likely to be affected than men.
Signs and tests
High level of VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) in the blood High volume of diarrhea (continues despite fasting) Fasting is one way to test for VIPoma. The physician may also request that the stool be collected and analyzed to determine electrolyte content. A CT scan or MRI may be ordered to determine the location of the tumor.
Treatment
The first goal of treatment is to correct dehydration. Intravenous (IV) fluids are often required to replace fluids lost in diarrhea. The next goal is to slow the diarrhea. Some medications can help control the diarrhea, such as octreotide, which is a hormone. The best chance for cure is surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor has not metastasized (spread to other organs), surgery can often cure it.
Expectations (prognosis)
Surgery can usually cure VIPomas, but about one-third to one-half of patients will have tumors that have spread by the time of diagnosis and are thus incurable.
Calling your health care provider
If you have watery diarrhea for more than 2-3 days, you should call your doctor.