Which statement about Zollinger-Ellison tumors is UNTRUE?

• A. MC location = duodenum
• B. Gastrin secreting tumors
• C. MC they are benign
• D. Gold standard of diagnosis is Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy

Answer: (C)

Zollinger-Ellison tumors are gastrin-secreting neoplasms that cause gastrin-driven acid hypersecretion and peptic ulcers. They’re most commonly found in the duodenum, with pancreatic gastrinomas also seen, but they are frequently malignant, often metastasizing to the liver. Because of this malignant tendency, the statement that these tumors are usually benign is incorrect.

Diagnosis starts with a markedly elevated fasting gastrin level in the setting of gastric acid hypersecretion, with a secretin stimulation test helping to confirm gastrinoma. For locating the tumor, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (an Octreotide scan) is highly sensitive and is widely used as the imaging gold standard, supplemented by CT/MRI and endoscopic ultrasound as needed.