Question 1

what is the definition or description of: islet cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic islets: Islet cell tumors of the pancreas represent the second form of lesion, the first representing lesions of ductal origin that lead to  the classic pancreatic carcinoma, most frequently arising in the head.
The second group of tumors, those of neuroendocrine origin arise in clustered cells known as islets and which are mainly benign  When malignant they spread with a survival of about 5%

Question 2

i've developed islet cell carcinoma. what should i be watching out for in the future?

Accepted Answer

Difficult to say: Islet cell tumors are rare forms of cancer that arise in the endocrine tissues of the pancreas. They can secrete a variety of hormones, including insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, resulting in a myriad of clinical syndromes. However, the majority are not associated with a hormonal syndrome, and therefore, yours may have been detected incidentally. I need more info.

Question 3

are there any new treatment options for islet cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are: Islet cell cancers are rare cancers. They are sometimes caught early and can be removed with surgery. This is the best treatment when possible. When they are metastatic, there are many medical treatments for them which can buy 5 to 10 years of life despite tumor being metastatic as they grow slowly(indolent tumors).

Question 4

what about neuroendocrine (islet cell tumors)?

Accepted Answer

Interesting tumor: Overally, neuroendocrine tumors are often capable of over-producing hormones that your body naturally makes.  Islet cells are cells that are naturally present in the pancreas and produce a number of hormones, most notably insulin. Insulin helps you break down and digest sugars. Patients with an islet cell tumor can produce too much Insulin resulting in weight & gain and low blood sugars.

Question 5

what pain is associated after an islet cell transplant?

Accepted Answer

Minimal: Islets of langerhans are the small subunits of the pancreas that contain Insulin secreting cells. They are prepared in a "slurry" that is injected through a vein into the liver or occasionally another site. No pain is associated with their final location. The only pain may come from the actual injection site - just like any injection.

Question 6

should i be concerned if my wife wants an islet cell transplant. what do you think?

Accepted Answer

Weigh the options: Islet cell transplants are performed, and many patients have been helped by them.  In particular, to treat the terrible symptom of hypoglycemic unawareness.  Like any surgical procedure there are risks and benefits that should be carefully discussed and understood before you go forward with the procedure.

Question 7

can you tell me how to find out if the islet cell transplant is for me, or if im eligable for it?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate carefully : You need to have a careful discussion of your degree of diabetes, and the risks and benefits of the procedure.  Find a local transplant center that does the proceed and go over these issues point by point.  Procedure itself, results short and long term, medications needed, their side effects, etc.  Contact the american society of transplant surgeons for centers in your region.

Question 8

is the islet cell transplant a solution for those with chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time: Rx is to treat the diabetes (can be difficult), pain relief, supplemental enzymes, avoiding alcohol, sometimes surgery.

Question 9

does badal cell carcinoma itch?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Basal cell is usually a painless pearly appearing nodule in sun exposed areas of skin.  It can get very big and produce an ulcer in the center.  The sooner it is diagnosed and removed the better.

Question 10

can merkel cell carcinoma be inherited?

Accepted Answer

Not inherited: Merkel cell carcinoma, a neuroendocrine tumor of the skin, is not inherited.  The majority of these tumors in fact seem to be associated with a virus (merkel cell polyomavirus).

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Doctor answers about:

Islet cell carcinoma

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: islet cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

I've developed islet cell carcinoma. what should i be watching out for in the future?

A member asked:

Are there any new treatment options for islet cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

What about neuroendocrine (islet cell tumors)?

A member asked:

What pain is associated after an islet cell transplant?

A member asked:

Should i be concerned if my wife wants an islet cell transplant. what do you think?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how to find out if the islet cell transplant is for me, or if im eligable for it?

A member asked:

Is the islet cell transplant a solution for those with chronic pancreatitis?

A member asked:

Does badal cell carcinoma itch?

A member asked:

Can merkel cell carcinoma be inherited?

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