Insulinomas - Cancer Science

What is an Insulinoma?

An insulinoma is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumor that originates in the pancreas. These tumors are typically composed of beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. Insulinomas can cause an excessive secretion of insulin, leading to a condition known as hypoglycemia.

Are Insulinomas Malignant or Benign?

Most insulinomas are benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, a small percentage can be malignant, indicating they have the potential to metastasize or spread. Malignant insulinomas are generally more challenging to treat and may require a different therapeutic approach.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary symptom of an insulinoma is hypoglycemia, which can manifest as sweating, confusion, blurred vision, and seizures. Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, diagnosing an insulinoma can be complex. Diagnosis often involves a combination of blood tests to measure insulin levels, imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan, and sometimes an endoscopic ultrasound.

Treatment Options

The primary treatment for insulinomas is surgical removal. Surgery is generally curative for benign insulinomas. For malignant or inoperable insulinomas, other options may include medication to manage blood sugar levels, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with benign insulinomas is generally excellent, especially if the tumor is completely removed. The prognosis for malignant insulinomas is more variable and depends on factors such as the tumor's size, location, and whether it has spread. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better outcome.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of insulinomas. Advances in genetic testing and targeted therapies hold promise for more effective treatment options in the future.

Relevant Publications

The Medical and Surgical Management of Recurrent Multicenter Insulinomatosis Without Known Genetic Predisposition.

Issue Release: 2024

[Radiotheranostics Based on Chemical Control of Radioactivity Pharmacokinetics].

Issue Release: 2024

Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation and minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of pancreatic insulinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Issue Release: 2024

Detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasound for localizing pancreatic insulinomas that are undetectable with other imaging modalities.

Issue Release: 2024

Case report: Insulinoma masquerades as epilepsy - quantitative EEG analysis.

Issue Release: 2024

68Ga-NODAGA-Exendin-4 PET/CT Findings in a Case of Metastatic Insulinoma With Refractory Hypoglycemia Controlled by 90Y Transarterial Radioembolization.

Issue Release: 2024

A cross-species transcriptomic analysis reveals a novel 2-dimensional classification system explaining the invasiveness heterogeneity of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Issue Release: 2024

Recurrent Hypoglycemia After Total Gastrectomy: A Case Report and Literature Analysis.

Issue Release: 2024

Enucleation of insulinoma using laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with a focus on vascular and splenic preservation: a case report.

Issue Release: 2024

Genotype-histotype-phenotype correlations in hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.

Issue Release: 2024

Multifocal Insulinoma as the Unique Presenting Feature of MEN1 in an Adolescent.

Issue Release: 2024

Heterogeneity of Multiple Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Identified by 68Ga-DOTANOC and 68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT in a Patient with Endogenous Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 1.

Issue Release: 2024

Intraoperative segmental pancreatic occlusion and insulin assay combination optimizes the localization of lesions and confirmation of complete resection in pancreatic hypoglycemia patients.

Issue Release: 2024

Advancements in medical treatment for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A beacon of hope.

Issue Release: 2024

Endoscopic ultrasonography-based intratumoral and peritumoral machine learning radiomics analyses for distinguishing insulinomas from non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Issue Release: 2024

Turning Points in Cross-Disciplinary Perspective of Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Pancreas Involvements: Hypercalcemia-Induced Pancreatitis, Gene-Related Tumors, and Insulin Resistance.

Issue Release: 2024

[Individualized approach for MEN1-associated duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms].

Issue Release: 2024

[F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 noninvasive imaging of insulinoma negative for insulin immunostaining on specimen from endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration: a case report with review of literature.

Issue Release: 2024

SAP deletion promotes malignant insulinoma progression by inducing CXCL12 secretion from CAFs via the CXCR4/p38/ERK signalling pathway.

Issue Release: 2024

Implications of noncoding regulatory functions in the development of insulinomas.

Issue Release: 2024

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