If you’ve ever heard the term gastrinoma, you probably know it has something to do with stomach acid. In plain language, a gastrinoma is a small tumor—usually in the pancreas or duodenum—that makes too much gastrin, the hormone that tells your stomach to produce acid. Too much acid can gnaw away at the lining of your stomach and duodenum, causing painful ulcers and other problems.
Most people notice gastrinoma because they keep getting stomach ulcers that won’t heal. If you’ve had several ulcers in a short time, that’s a red flag. Other common signs include a burning belly pain that gets worse after meals, frequent diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss. Some folks feel a sour taste in their mouth or get heartburn that looks like typical acid reflux but doesn’t improve with over‑the‑counter meds. When these symptoms show up together, it’s worth asking a doctor about a possible gastrinoma.
The first step is a blood test to check gastrin levels. If the number is high, doctors may do a secretin stimulation test—secretin normally lowers gastrin, but a gastrinoma reacts the opposite way, causing a spike. Imaging then helps locate the tumor. A CT scan or MRI can show a small mass in the pancreas or near the duodenum. For tricky cases, a somatostatin receptor scan (often called an Octreoscan) can highlight the tumor because gastrinomas have lots of receptors that light up on the scan.
Once the tumor is found, a biopsy might be taken during an endoscopy to confirm it’s a gastrinoma and not something else.
Most doctors start with medication to control the acid. Proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole are very effective and can relieve symptoms quickly. If the tumor is small and hasn’t spread, surgery to remove it is the best chance for a cure. Laparoscopic surgery is common and usually has a short recovery time.
When the tumor is larger or has spread (metastasized), additional treatments come into play. Options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy (such as everolimus), or peptide‑receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), which delivers radiation directly to the tumor cells. Your doctor will choose the plan based on the tumor’s size, location, and whether it’s spread.
Living with a gastrinoma means staying on acid‑blocking meds for life, even after the tumor is removed. Regular follow‑up visits and blood tests keep an eye on gastrin levels and catch any recurrence early. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding foods that trigger excess acid—like very spicy or fatty meals—can help you feel better day to day.
Bottom line: if you keep getting stubborn ulcers, unexplained belly pain, or diarrhea, ask your doctor about a gastrinoma. Early detection, proper testing, and a mix of medication plus surgery or advanced therapy can keep the disease in check and let you get back to normal life.
Explore how Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome drives extreme acid production and why it often mimics or worsens GERD. Learn symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and practical tips for managing both conditions effectively.
View more