insuliinomas

Insuliinomas are rare tumors that arise from the beta cells of the pancreas. These beta cells are responsible for producing and secreting insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insuliinomas are typically benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can cause significant health problems due to their overproduction of insulin.

The primary clinical manifestation of an insuliinoma is hypoglycemia, which is a dangerously low level of blood glucose. This occurs because the tumor continuously releases excessive amounts of insulin, regardless of the body's actual need. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures and loss of consciousness. These symptoms often worsen with fasting or exercise and may be relieved by consuming glucose.

The diagnosis of an insuliinoma usually involves a supervised fasting test. During this test, blood glucose and insulin levels are monitored over several hours. The presence of low blood glucose coupled with elevated insulin levels and other specific biochemical markers can confirm the diagnosis. Imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound may be used to locate the tumor within the pancreas.

The treatment of choice for insuliinoma is surgical removal of the tumor. In most cases, this can be achieved through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. If the tumor cannot be surgically removed, or if it is part of a syndrome like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), other treatment options may be considered to manage hypoglycemia, such as medications. With successful surgical resection, the prognosis for individuals with insuliinoma is generally excellent, with a high chance of a complete cure.