Tumors of the pancreas (a gland in the abdomen that makes pancreatic
juices and produces hormones) are rare in children and adolescents. Tumors
included within the general category can arise at any site in the
pancreas. Most pancreatic tumors do not secrete hormones, although some
tumors secrete insulin, which can lead to symptoms of weakness, fatigue,
hypoglycemia, and coma. If a tumor interferes with the normal function of
the islet cells (cells in the pancreas that produce hormones), patients
may have watery diarrhea or abnormalities of salt balance. At times, there
is obstruction of the head of the pancreas, which is associated with
jaundice and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Treatment includes various surgical procedures to remove the pancreas and
duodenum or part of the pancreas. For pediatric patients, the
effectiveness of radiation therapy is not known. Chemotherapy may be
useful for treatment of localized or metastatic pancreatic carcinoma,
although few cases have been successfully treated. Response rates and
survival rates generally are not good. |
