Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
A group of symptoms that occur when a tumor called a gastrinoma forms. The tumor, which can be cancerous, releases large amounts of the hormone called gastrin. The gastrin causes too much acid in the duodenum, resulting in ulcers, bleeding, and perforation.
About Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when one or more tumors form in the pancreas and duodenum. The tumors, called gastrinomas, release large amounts of gastrin that cause the stomach to produce large amounts of acid. Normally, the body releases small amounts of gastrin after eating, which triggers the stomach to make gastric acid that helps break down food and liquid in the stomach. The extra acid causes peptic ulcers to form in the duodenum and elsewhere in the upper intestine.
The tumors seen with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are sometimes cancerous and may spread to other areas of the body.
What are the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas?
The stomach, duodenum, and pancreas are digestive organs that break down food and liquid.
The stomach stores swallowed food and liquid. The muscle action of the lower part of the stomach mixes the food and liquid with digestive juice. Partially digested food and liquid slowly move into the duodenum and are further broken down….Read more about Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeNIH – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases