Symptoms of insulinoma may include nausea, weakness, sweating, headache, or confusion. People with this tumor may also experience episodes of low blood sugar. These low blood sugar levels affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls many other systems of the body. This could lead to serious complications, such as coma or death. In addition, the patient may have problems with vision and concentration.
Insulinoma is a rare cancer, which develops in a part of the pancreas that regulates the production of insulin. It usually occurs as one small tumor, but it can also form multiple tumors. If the tumor is malignant, it can metastasize to the liver or regional lymph nodes. It is important to have a proper diagnosis and treatment. If the tumor is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully. In some cases, it can even be removed completely.
In many cases, doctors will perform an imaging test to locate the tumor. Some of these tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan, and endoscopic ultrasound. Other tests include percutaneous trans-hepatic venous sampling, which helps locate the tumor before surgery.
Insulinoma has been linked to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. This condition causes overactivity in the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones. There is a genetic component to this condition, which can increase the risk of insulinoma. Some researchers have suggested that people with a family history of MEN-1 are at higher risk of developing insulinoma.
There are several different ways to diagnose insulinoma. Some of these methods are fasting, blood tests, and imaging tests. The 72-hour fasting test is an essential part of the process, as it measures the level of insulin in the blood. The result of this test will help the doctor determine if the person has an insulinoma. If the results of the test show that the person has an insulinoma, a health care provider will administer a series of tests to check the glucose and insulin levels in the blood.
Other signs that the patient may have an insulinoma can be a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, shakiness, or a feeling of hunger. These symptoms can cause difficulty concentrating and may be mistaken for a neurologic or psychiatric disorder. Depending on the results, the health care provider may prescribe a course of medication to control the patient’s blood sugar.
The healthcare provider can also perform a biopsy, which is a method of inserting a fine needle into the pancreas to check for the presence of the tumor. X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans are another way to detect the tumor.
Sometimes, the diagnosis of insulinoma is delayed because the symptoms can mimic those of other medical conditions. In the past, the diagnosis was made by a combination of a physical examination and a blood test. However, new technology has been developed to make it easier for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients.
The first test that is usually performed is a transabdominal ultrasound study. This uses a special scope to examine the abdomen and detect the location of the tumor. The surgeon can then remove the tumor. Although the results from this test are not always accurate, it can give the surgeon an idea of the tumor’s size and location.
