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Glucagonoma

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

This is a result of a tumour of the alpha 2 cells of the islets of Langerhans

  • the majority of these tumours are malignant
  • about 90% of patients already have liver or lymph node metastases at presentation
  • 5–20% of glucagonomas occur as component of MEN-I syndrome

This tumour may present with attacks of hyperglycaemia (diabetes mellitus occurs in more than 50% of cases), anaemia, rash and diarrhoea.

Necrolytic migratory erythema is associated with this condition (in more than 70% of patients)

  • may also affect the mucous membranes, leading to cheilitis, glossitis and stomatitis.

Other possible features include:

  • weight loss or cachexia in more than 60% of patients
  • psychiatric disturbances, such as depression or psychosis
  • tendency to venous thrombosis in about 11% of patients

Elevated fasting plasma glucagon levels are present in all patients. Also raised pancreatic polypeptide values are present in approximately 50% of patients.

Tumour localization is via techniques such as transabdominal ultrasonography, CT, MRI, selective abdominal angiography, endoscopic ultrasonography or somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.

Management:

  • directed by a specialist
  • insulin therapy may be required for diabetics
  • aspirin therapy has been used as thrombosis prophylaxis
  • octreotide is effective in controlling the rash - however this treatment modality is less effective in the management of diabetes mellitus and weight loss
    • octreotide is ineffective in reducing the incidence of venous thrombosis
  • combination chemotherapy is often given in advanced disease
  • surgical removal may be curative only for patients with local, benign disease
  • single or repeated hepatic artery embolization of the metastases initially results in symptomatic relief in the majority (more than 80%) of patients - however in more than 50% of patients the symptoms will aggravate within 6 months

Notes:

  • Zollinger-Ellison may also develop many years after the initial diagnosis (as part of MEN-I) - annual gut hormone screening has been recommended

Reference:

  1. de Herder WW and Lamberts SWJ. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2004; Volume 18(4): 477-495.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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