Alternative Names & Classifications:
Somatostatin-Secreting Tumor (CLINICAL)
Description
A somatostatinoma is a very rare, usually malignant neuroendocrine tumor that originates in the delta cells of the pancreas or the duodenum. Somatostatin is the master inhibitory hormone of the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. When overproduced by a tumor, it indiscriminately suppresses the release of insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and cholecystokinin, effectively shutting down normal digestive and metabolic processes.