Treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is usually started with daily intake of drugs to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, such as Omeprazole, Esomeprazole or Pantoprazole, as tumors in the pancreas, called gastrinomas, stimulate acid production, increasing the chances of having a gastric ulcer, for example.
In addition, the gastroenterologist may also recommend having surgery to remove some tumors, although this type of surgery is usually only indicated when there is only one tumor. In other cases, treatment may include:
- Use heat in the form of radiofrequency to destroy tumor cells;
- Inject drugs that hinder cell growth directly in tumors;
- Use chemotherapy to slow the growth of tumors;
Usually, the tumors are benign and do not present a great risk to the patient's health, however when the tumors are malignant, the cancer can spread to other organs, especially the liver, being advised to remove parts of the liver, or to have a transplant to increase the patient's chances of life.
Symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
The main symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome include:
- Burning sensation or pain in the throat;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Abdominal pain;
- Diarrhea;
- Decreased appetite;
- Weight loss without apparent cause;
- Excessive weakness.
These symptoms can be confused with other gastric problems, such as reflux, for example, and therefore the gastroenterologist may ask to do some diagnostic tests such as blood tests, endoscopy or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment.
Here's how to reduce excess acid and improve symptoms at:
- Home remedy for gastritis
- Diet for gastritis and ulcer
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