A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Insulinoma
Medical Questions » Insulinoma
| Name: Insulinoma |
| Also known as: Beta Cell Tumour |
| Uncommon tumor of the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas gland. Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to cause hypoglycemia. 90% of tumors are benign, while the remaining 10% are cancerous. Usually occur between 50 and 70 years of age, but may occur at any age. |
Causes of Insulinoma
Unknown. |
Symptoms of Insulinoma
Tiredness, headaches, slurred speech, visual disturbances and confusion relieved by eating which may result in weight gain. If food is not eaten, tremor, palpitations, irregular heart rhythm, coma and death may follow. |
Tests for Insulinoma
Blood tests show low glucose, and high insulin levels. Tumor found by CT or MRI scan. |
Treatment for Insulinoma
Surgical removal of the tumor. Chemotherapy for spread of cancer.
|
Complications of Insulinoma of its treatment
Cancerous tumors can spread to other organs (metastasis). |
Likely Outcome of Insulinoma
Good results from surgery, but cancerous tumors eventually kill about half those affected. If left untreated, both forms eventually fatal. |
|
|
