Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Overview
Learn About Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition in which the body produces too much of the hormone gastrin. Most of the time, a small tumor (gastrinoma) in the pancreas or small intestine is the source of the extra gastrin in the blood.
Z-E syndrome; Gastrinoma; ZES
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by tumors called gastrinomas. These growths are most often found in the head of the pancreas and the upper small intestine. High levels of gastrin cause production of too much stomach acid.
Gastrinomas may occur as single tumors or several tumors. One half to two thirds of single gastrinomas are cancerous (malignant) tumors. These tumors often spread to the liver and nearby lymph nodes.
Many people with gastrinomas have several tumors as part of a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I). Tumors may develop in the pituitary gland (brain) and parathyroid gland (neck) as well as in the pancreas.
Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting blood (sometimes)
- Severe esophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms
Signs include ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
Medicines called proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, and others) are used for treating this problem. These medicines reduce acid production by the stomach. This helps the ulcers in the stomach and small intestine heal. These medicines also relieve abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Surgery to remove a single gastrinoma may be done if the tumors have not spread to other organs. Surgery on the stomach (gastrectomy) to control acid production is rarely needed.
Hilary Keller is a General Surgeon in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Dr. Keller and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Parathyroid Cancer, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, and Neuroendocrine Tumor.
Clr Schenectady LLC
Ali Mirza is an Internal Medicine provider in Schenectady, New York. Dr. Mirza and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are COVID-19, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), Painful Swallowing, and Swallowing Difficulty.
Clifton Springs Sanitarium Co
Kinan Yarta is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Clifton Springs, New York. Dr. Yarta and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
The cure rate is low, even when it is found early and the tumor is removed. However, gastrinomas grow slowly. People with this condition may live for many years after the tumor is found. Acid-suppressing medicines work well to control the symptoms.
Complications may include:
- Failure to locate the tumor during surgery
- Intestinal bleeding or hole (perforation) from ulcers in the stomach or duodenum
- Severe diarrhea and weight loss
- Spread of the tumor to other organs
Contact your health care provider if you have severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if it occurs with diarrhea.
Published Date: October 30, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
De Herder WW, Feelders RA, Hofland J. Neuroendocrine tumors and disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 43.
Strosberg JR, Al-Toubah T. Neuroendocrine tumors. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 34.