Etymed
somatostatinoma
Definition
A tumor that produces and secretes somatostatin
Clinical context
A 52-year-old man presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Imaging reveals a pancreatic mass that secretes somatostatin, leading to decreased secretion of insulin and glucagon. His symptoms are attributed to the hormone-producing tumor rather than typical pancreatic cancer features. Laboratory studies show elevated somatostatin levels and low glucose levels.
Mnemonic
SOMA = Soma (body) = Somatostatin = Soma (body) = Body's hormone that inhibits other hormones