Somatostatinomas Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Oct 01, 2019
  • Author: Praveen K Roy, MD, MSc; Chief Editor: Praveen K Roy, MD, MSc  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Approach considerations

Because somatostatinomas are rare, and heralding signs and symptoms are often nonspecific, delays in diagnosis can occur. These tumors can be cured if identified early; therefore, such errors in clinical judgment can be devastating for patients.

In some cases, patients develop somatostatinomas as part of occult multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) syndrome. If unrecognized, the hypercalcemia that results from hyperparathyroidism can lead to disastrous surgical complications. All patients who undergo surgical exploration for pancreatic endocrine tumors should be screened for MEN 1 during the preoperative period.

Differential Diagnoses