25th May 2025

Somatostatinoma

Somatostatinomas produce excess somatostatin, which is a hormone that inhibits gastrin, CCK, secretin, VIP, insulin, growth hormone and glucagon. They occur in the pancreas, duodenum or jejunum.

Investigations for all rare functional neuroendocrine tumours:

• Bloods for hormone levels (glucagon, VIP, somatostatin, 5HT)
• CT/MRI/Endoscopic ultrasound
• Somatostatin receptor imaging

Management:

• < 2cm with low grade, asymptomatic disease – may be suitable for surveillance
• > 2cm – surgical resection
• Unresectable or distant metastases would need specialist MDT discussion