Insulinoma
Alternate Names : Insuloma, Islet Cells Adenoma
Definition An insulinoma is a usually benign tumor of the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that releases the hormone insulin. Insulin is required to regulate blood sugar levels. Tumors of the pancreas that produce excessive amounts of insulin (hyperinsulinemia) are called insulinomas.
High insulin levels cause hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose (sugar). Hypoglycemia caused by insulinomas may be mild and lead to symptoms such as anxiety and hunger, but patients are also at risk for severe hypoglycemia, which can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
Insulinomas are rare tumors that occur in about 1 out of 250,000 people. They usually occur as single, small tumors in adults. They are very rare in children. Most children with hyperinsulinism have multiple pockets of overactive insulin-secreting cells, rather than a discrete tumor.
Five to ten percent of insulinomas are malignant. Patients with the genetic syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I (MENI), are at risk for insulinomas.
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