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Definition Return to top
Glucagonoma is a tumor of the islet cells of the pancreas, which secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Glucagonoma is usually malignant, which means that it has a tendency to spread and get worse. The islet cells of the pancreas are affected by this cancer, and as a result, they produce too much of a hormone called glucagon.
The excess glucagon causes symptoms such as glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). Spreading (metastasis) to the liver may occur with this type of cancer. It also causes a distinctive skin lesion called necrolytic migratory erythema.
The cause is unknown, but genetic factors play a role in some cases. Risk factors include a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I).
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment. The tumor does not respond to chemotherapy.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Approximately 60% of these tumors are malignant. Metastasis (spread) to the liver is common.Complications Return to top
Metastasis of cancer to the liver is a complication.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms suggestive of glucagonoma.Prevention Return to top
Awareness of risk, including family history, may allow early diagnosis. Update Date: 8/3/2004 Updated by: Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology, The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |