What is Hyperglucagonemia?
Hyperglucagonemia is a state of excess glucagon secretion. In healthy individuals, insulin has a suppressive effect on alpha-cell function and on glucagon secretion. The most common cause of hyperglucagonemia is an absence or deficiency of the restraining influence of insulin on glucagon production.
Why does glucagonoma cause weight loss?
The weight loss characteristic of glucagonoma may result from the catabolic action of glucagon and through glucagon-like peptides such as GLP-1. Necrolytic migratory erythema probably results from hyponutrition and amino acid deficiency [6].
What causes glucagonoma?
Glucagonomas originate from the alpha-2 cells of the pancreas. Unregulated production (overproduction) of peptide hormones and growth factors, which are not normally expressed in the tissue of origin, is characteristic of neuroendocrine tumors.
What is glucagonoma?
Glucagonomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) that start in cells of the pancreas that make the hormone glucagon. They are a type of functioning NET of the pancreas.
Is glucagonoma treatable?
Surgery. Surgery is the only treatment that can cure a glucagonoma. The type of surgery you have depends on the size of the tumour, where it is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver.
Is glucagonoma fatal?
Glucagonoma is a rare tumor involving the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that works with insulin to control the amount of sugar in your blood. Glucagonoma tumor cells produce large amounts of glucagon, and these high levels create severe and life threatening symptoms.
Is glucagonoma rare?
Glucagonoma is a rare, functioning type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET; see this term) that hypersecretes glucagon, leading to a syndrome comprised of necrolytic migratory erythema, diabetes mellitus , anemia , weight loss, mucosal abnormalities, thromboembolism, gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms …
Is glucagonoma benign?
Glucagonoma is a slow-growing alpha-cell tumor of the pancreatic islet of Langerhans. It may appear as a benign, localized tumor, but at least 50% of patients will have metastatic disease when diagnosed [1-4].
What are the symptoms of glucagonoma?
Symptoms might include:
- Skin rash. This usually starts with small circles of redness which develop into itchy, painful blisters.
- Weight loss. You may lose a lot of weight even if you’re not dieting.
- Diabetes.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Diarrhoea.
- Blood clots.
- Mood changes.
- Low levels of red blood cells in your blood.
How do you treat glucagonoma?
Treating glucagonoma involves removing tumor cells and treating the effects of an excess of glucagon on your body. It’s best to begin treatment by stabilizing the effects of excess glucagon. This often involves taking a somatostatin analog drug, such as an injection of octreotide (Sandostatin).
How do you prevent glucagonoma?
High blood sugar can be treated with insulin and close monitoring of your blood glucose levels. Your doctor may also give you an anticoagulant medication, or blood thinner. This prevents the formation of blood clots in your legs, also known as deep vein thrombosis.