Glucagonoma is a rare tumor that can release excess of a hormone called glucagon. When this happens, you develop several symptoms like a painful skin rash and weight loss, as well as symptoms of diabetes. Glucagonoma is a very rare tumor of the alpha cells of the pancreas that results in the overproduction of the hormone glucagon.

Understanding the Context

Typically associated with a rash called necrolytic migratory erythema, weight loss, and mild diabetes mellitus, most people with glucagonoma contract it spontaneously. [1] A glucagonoma is a pancreatic alpha-cell tumor that secretes glucagon, causing hyperglycemia and a characteristic rash. Diagnosis is by elevated glucagon levels and imaging studies. A glucagonoma is a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas that produces the hormone glucagon, which raises the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood and causes a distinctive rash.

Key Insights

This topic will review the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of glucagonomas. An overview of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of pancreatic NETs and other functional pancreatic NETs are discussed in detail separately. Glucagonoma is an extremely rare pancreatic α-islet cell tumor and is often accompanied by certain clinical symptoms including necrotizing migratory erythema (NME), diabetes, weight loss and anemia. Glucagonomas are functional tumors, meaning they produce hormones like normal cells, but often much more than your body needs. High levels of glucagon from a pancreatic glucagonoma can lead to...

Final Thoughts

These symptoms could be due to a glucagonoma, but can also be caused by other more common medical conditions. It’s important to get them checked by a doctor.