Gastrinoma Symptoms And What You Need To Know

The most common symptom of gastrinoma is abdominal pain, which is often linked to the development of multiple peptic ulcers caused by excessive gastrin secretion. This pain typically resembles that of a standard peptic ulcer, but it tends to be more persistent and progressive in nature. Unlike typical ulcers, this pain often shows poor response to standard acid-suppressing medications and may lead to serious complications such as bleeding or perforation.

Another frequent symptom is chronic diarrhea, which can manifest as watery diarrhea or steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling stools). This gastrointestinal issue is particularly challenging to treat. Standard antidiarrheal medications like berberine or smectite often prove ineffective in managing diarrhea caused by gastrinoma.

If a patient presents with persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea that does not respond well to conventional treatments, gastrinoma should be considered as a potential cause. Diagnosis can be achieved through blood tests measuring serum gastrin levels or via endoscopic examination to identify multiple ulcers. Additionally, evaluating how symptoms respond to treatment can also provide valuable diagnostic insight.

Gastrinoma-related ulcers are known for being resistant to treatment and often recur. When proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are typically effective for ulcer management, fail to provide relief, further investigation for gastrinoma is strongly recommended. Early detection and proper diagnosis are crucial for managing this complex condition effectively.