What is the prevalence of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome?
How many people does Zollinger Ellison Syndrome affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?
Zollinger Ellison Syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the development of tumors called gastrinomas in the pancreas or duodenum. These tumors produce excessive amounts of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the stomach to produce acid. The prevalence of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome is estimated to be around 1 in every 1 million people. Although it is a rare disorder, it can cause severe complications such as peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and diarrhea. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the symptoms and preventing complications.
Zollinger Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare disorder characterized by the development of tumors called gastrinomas in the pancreas or duodenum. These tumors produce excessive amounts of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the stomach to produce acid. The increased acid production leads to severe peptic ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
The prevalence of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome is estimated to be around 1 in every 1 million individuals. It affects both males and females equally and can occur at any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. ZES is often associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to the development of various tumors.
Due to its rarity, ZES is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and potential complications. Symptoms of ZES include abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis involves measuring gastrin levels in the blood and imaging tests to locate the tumors.
Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid production, such as proton pump inhibitors, and surgical removal of the tumors. Long-term management is necessary to control symptoms and prevent complications.
