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Pancreas

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VIPoma

Alternative Names: Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumor; Pancreatic endocrine tumor Symptoms: Watery diarrhea (often massive amounts) Hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which can cause leg cramps Low acid in the stomach (achlorhydria) Nausea Dehydration Abdominal pain and cramping Weight loss Facial flushing or redness Signs and tests: High level of VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) in the blood High volume of diarrhea (continues despite fasting) Fasting is one way to test for VIPoma. Text Continues Below The physician may also request that the stool be collected and analyzed to determine electrolyte content. A CT scan or MRI may be ordered to determine the location of the tumor.

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