gastrin level

Hi,  I have Barretts and have had a lap nissens.  I continue to have an inflammed oesophagus so I my doctor told me to take pariet.  I don't get any symptoms of reflux so I don't take the pariet very often. I take a tablet maybe once a month, if I feel like I have a little heartburn. (I haven't told my doctor that I'm not compliant with the pariet).

I also have a transfusion dependant anaemia.  Tests indicate that it is a mixed anaemia.  I have definite iron deficiency but there is also a bone marrow component to it.  Recent tests showed I have also developed a B12 deficiency.  Other tests are abnormal  

low neutrophils, critically low lymphocytes, high esr, positive atypical panca, low eGFR, high urea and high fasting gastrin (over 200). There are other abnormal ones but I can't remember what they are.

My haematologist wants me to have repeat gastroscopy/colonoscopy and pill cam.  I think he thinks that I have a tumour.

Do these blood test results indicate that I might have a tumour?  I DO NOT have obvious PR bleeding. I have had some positive FOB tests but these are only positive intermittantly.

I'm not frightened of having a tumour, I just want my doctors to be more open with me, not being informed is worse than being unwell.

Thanks for your time.

Arach

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
High gastrin may not always indicate a tumor. There rae conditions like atrophic gastritis which can cause high gastrin levels. Prolonged PPI intake can also cause it. But since you are only on intermittent PPI that may not be the reason in your case.
It can also be assocaited with Zollinger Ellison syndrome which is an endocrine tumor which secrete excess gastrin.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.