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Glucagonoma

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands

Definition    Return to top

Glucagonoma is a very rare tumor of the islet cells of the pancreas, which release the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Causes    Return to top

Glucagonoma is usually cancerous (malignant). The cancer tends to spread and get worse.

This cancer affects the islet cells of the pancreas. As a result, they produce too much of the hormone glucagon.

The cause is unknown, but genetic factors play a role in some cases. A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I) is a risk factor.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Signs include:

Most of the time the cancer has already spread to the liver when it is diagnosed.

Tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

Surgery to remove the tumor is the preferred treatment. The tumor does not respond to chemotherapy.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Approximately 60% of these tumors are cancerous. Spread to the liver is common.

If the tumor is only in the pancreas and surgery to remove it is successful, patients have a 5-year survival rate of 85%.

Possible Complications    Return to top

The cancer can spread to the liver.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of glucagonoma.

References    Return to top

Simon P, Spilcke-Liss E, Wallaschofski H. Endocrine tumors of the pancreas. Endocrinol Metabl Clin North Am. 2006;35:431-437.

Update Date: 9/4/2008

Updated by: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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