Pancreatic Growths

The pancreas lies in the abdomen behind the stomach and is connected to a part of the small intestines called the duodenum. It produces several hormones important for the body’s energy levels. 3 out of 4 (75%) of MEN1 patients will develop one of several pancreatic growths and 1 in 10 (10%) of those will develop more than one type of growth. While most of the growths will produce large amounts of hormones, some may not be active (non-functioning). Up to half of the growths may become malignant (cancerous) if left untreated. Most pancreatic growths are found using an MRI scan and blood tests. If the growths are very small, other types of scan may be used. Treatment depends on the size and type of growth. Anti-ulcer medications can be used to control symptoms of growths called Gastrinomas, but other types of growth are usually treated with surgery. The operation may remove just the growth, or remove the whole or a part of the pancreas. If the whole or a major part of the pancreas is removed, a patient will then have diabetes, which must be treated with regular insulin injections.