 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Insulinoma
Definition:
An insulinoma is a tumor in the pancreas that produces too much insulin. Alternative Names:
Insuloma; Islet cells adenoma Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that makes the hormone insulin. Insulin is required to regulate blood sugar levels. Tumors of the pancreas that produce too much insulin (hyperinsulinemia) are called insulinomas. High insulin levels cause low blood glucose (sugar), also called hypoglycemia. The hypoglycemia may be mild, leading to symptoms such as anxiety and hunger, or severe, leading to seizures, coma, and even death. Insulinomas are rare tumors. 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 in the pancreas, rather than a single discrete tumor. Most insulinomas are not cancer. However, about five to ten percent are cancer. People with the genetic syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I (MENI) are at risk for developing insulinomas.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
