Metastatic insulinoma
Metastatic Insulinoma
Metastatic insulinoma (pronounced: meh-tuh-STAT-ik in-suh-lih-NOH-muh) is a rare form of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that has spread to other parts of the body. The term originates from the Greek words "meta" (meaning beyond), "statikos" (meaning stationary), "insulin" (a hormone produced in the pancreas), and "oma" (meaning tumor).
Definition
A metastatic insulinoma is a malignant tumor that originates in the pancreas' beta cells, which are responsible for the production of insulin. This tumor type is characterized by an overproduction of insulin, leading to a condition known as hypoglycemia. When the tumor spreads (or metastasizes) to other parts of the body, it is referred to as metastatic insulinoma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of metastatic insulinoma are primarily related to low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia. These may include confusion, blurred vision, fatigue, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. Other symptoms may be related to the location of the metastases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of metastatic insulinoma typically involves a combination of blood tests to measure insulin and glucose levels, imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI, and sometimes a biopsy of the tumor or metastatic site.
Treatment
Treatment for metastatic insulinoma can be complex and may involve a combination of surgery, medication to manage symptoms, and therapies to slow the growth of the tumor and metastases. These may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Prognosis
The prognosis for metastatic insulinoma varies widely and depends on factors such as the extent of the disease and the patient's overall health. In general, the survival rate is lower for metastatic disease than for localized insulinomas.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metastatic insulinoma
- Wikipedia's article - Metastatic insulinoma
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