Islet of Langerhans' tumor

Alternative names:

islet cell tumors; tumor - islet cell

Symptoms:

• sweating
• tremor
• rapid heart rate
• anxiety
• hunger
• dizziness
• headache
• clouding of vision
• confusion
• behavioral changes
• convulsions
• loss of consciousness
• skin rash that migrates on face, abdomen, perineum, buttocks, or lower extremities
  • may be crusty, scaly, and have raised lesions filled with clear fluid or pus

• inflamed mouth and tongue
• weight loss
• weight gain (unintentional)
• peptic ulcer pain
• vomiting blood
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain

Note: The symptoms depend upon the type of tumor and the hormone produced.

Signs and tests:

The type of tests given may vary depending upon the symptoms associated with the condition. Some of the following may be indicated:

• elevated serum glucagon level
• abdominal CT scan to reveal pancreatic tumor
• elevated fasting glucose level
• abnormal glucose tolerance test
• catheterization of the pancreas to show high hormone level in the veins
• MRI of abdomen to show pancreatic tumor
• elevated serum insulin level
• elevated serum insulin C-peptide fasting
• low fasting glucose level
• increased gastrin level
• positive secretin stimulation test for pancreas
• positive calcium infusion test
• abdominal CT scan to show duodenal mass (aggregation of cells) or pancreatic tumor