What is Metastatic Insulinoma?

Metastatic insulinoma is a rare condition in which a functional insulinoma (a tumor of the pancreas that produces insulin) has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.

Metastatic insulinomas are most commonly found in the liver, but can also be found in the lungs, bones, lymph nodes, and other sites. They can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and other symptoms of insulinoma, such as sweating, shaking, hunger, and confusion.

Metastatic insulinomas are typically treated with surgery to remove the tumor(s). Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or medication to manage hypoglycemia.

Prognosis for metastatic insulinoma depends on the location and extent of the metastases, as well as the patient's overall health. The five-year survival rate for metastatic insulinoma is approximately 50%.

Symptoms of metastatic insulinoma

The symptoms of metastatic insulinoma are similar to those of insulinoma, and can include:

- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

- Sweating

- Shaking

- Hunger

- Confusion

- Seizures

- Coma

Diagnosis of metastatic insulinoma

Metastatic insulinoma is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms, blood tests, and imaging studies.

* Blood tests can measure the levels of insulin and C-peptide in the blood. Insulin and C-peptide are produced by the pancreas, and high levels of these hormones can indicate the presence of an insulinoma.

* Imaging studies, such as MRI and PET scans, can be used to identify the location of the primary tumor and any metastases.

Treatment of metastatic insulinoma

The treatment of metastatic insulinoma typically involves surgery to remove the tumor(s). Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or medication to manage hypoglycemia.

Surgery is the most effective treatment for metastatic insulinoma. The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the location and extent of the metastases. In some cases, it may be possible to remove all of the tumors and cure the disease. In other cases, surgery may only be able to remove some of the tumors and relieve symptoms.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used to treat metastatic insulinoma that cannot be completely removed with surgery. These treatments can help to shrink the tumors and relieve symptoms.

Medication to manage hypoglycemia may also be necessary for patients with metastatic insulinoma. Medications such as diazoxide and octreotide can help to raise blood sugar levels and prevent symptoms of hypoglycemia.