Islet of Langerhans' tumor

Alternative names:

islet cell tumors; tumor - islet cell

Definition:

A tumor of the pancreas that is located in the islet cell region that produces the hormone insulin and other hormones.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tumors of the islet cells of the pancreas can produce a variety of hormones. The tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous). The tumors may produce more than one hormone, but usually one hormone predominates so that specific symptoms result. Islet cell tumors include insulinomas, glucagonomas, gastrinomas (Zollinger-Ellison's syndrome) and other types of tumors. Risk factors are having a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, Type I (MEN I).