概述
An insulinoma is a rare tumor that forms in the pancreas. It is a type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. An insulinoma can occur at any age. But it is most often diagnosed in adults.
The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Usually, the pancreas releases less insulin when blood sugar is low. An insulinoma keeps releasing insulin even when blood sugar is already low. This can cause blood sugar to drop too low, a condition called hypoglycemia.
About 90% of insulinomas are not cancerous. These are called benign insulinomas. About 10% of insulinomas are cancerous, also called malignant insulinomas. Cancerous insulinomas can spread beyond the pancreas.
Insulinomas can be serious because very low blood sugar can affect the brain and other parts of the body. Treatment can help. Surgery can cure many insulinomas. Cancerous insulinomas may need other treatments along with surgery.
症状
Insulinoma symptoms happen when blood sugar drops too low. Symptoms often occur after going without food for several hours. Eating or drinking something that contains sugar may ease symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Feeling weak or tired.
- Sweating.
- Headache.
- Feeling hungry or nauseated.
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Confusion.
- Anxiety and irritability.
- Blurred vision.
Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures or loss of consciousness.
Over time, some people with an insulinoma gain weight. This may happen because they eat more often to stop or treat low blood sugar. High insulin levels also can contribute to weight gain.
When to seek care
Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional if you have repeated symptoms of low blood sugar, and you don't know what is causing them.
When to seek emergency care
Severe low blood sugar needs immediate medical care. Seek emergency medical help if low blood sugar causes:
- Seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe confusion or trouble speaking, walking or responding to others.
病因
It is not clear what causes most insulinomas. A small number of insulinomas are linked to inherited conditions. These conditions are caused by gene changes that can be passed from parents to children.
风险因素
Most people with an insulinoma don't have a known risk factor. A small number of insulinomas are linked to inherited conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1). People with MEN 1 may develop more than one insulinoma. MEN 1 also raises the risk of other tumors.
Your healthcare team may recommend genetic counseling and testing if they think your insulinoma could be linked to an inherited condition.
并发症
Repeated episodes of low blood sugar can be serious. If blood sugar becomes very low, it can affect how the brain works and may lead to:
- Seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Coma.
Sept. 09, 2026