Insulinoma

Alternative names:

insuloma; islet cells adenoma

Definition:

A usually benign tumor of the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Insulinomas secrete excessive amounts of insulin. This causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The symptoms of hypoglycemia associated with this condition may be very severe to the extent of producing coma. There may be multiple tumors. Risk factors are a prior history of multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I (MEN I). The incidence is 1 out of 100,000 people.