Diseases & Conditions >
This topic is from The 5-Minute Clinical Consult About our sources

Insulinoma Updated 4/2011

Email       Print Section  |  Print Topic       Add to My Favorites

BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Most common functional (insulin-producing) tumor of the pancreas
  • Tumors of the pancreatic β cells of the islets of Langerhans; pancreatic β cells secrete both insulin and C-peptide.
  • Usually very small, with 90% < 2 cm; suspect malignant insulinoma if tumor > 4 cm (1)[B]
  • Usually single and benign; only 10–15% malignant; only 10% multiple tumors
  • The malignant potential is not as clinically important as the functional ability to secrete insulin, which leads to symptomatic hypoglycemia.
  • Hypoglycemic episodes are irregular, recurrent, and tend to increase in frequency and severity over time.
  • Synonym(s): β-Cell tumor, β-Cell adenoma, Nesidioblastoma
Epidemiology
Incidence
  • 1/1.25 million annually
  • Predominant age:
    • Rare: < 20 years old
    • 20% of patients are adults < 40 years of age.
    • 40% of patients are 40–60 years of age ...

You must be logged in to fully access this content.

Sign In
Sign up for a 30-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 30-Day FREE Trial now and receive access to all content.

Start free trial!

Have a book code?

Submit your book code to create your FREE standard account.