Insulinoma natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Parminder Dhingra, M.D. [2]

Overview

If left untreated, patients with insulinoma may progress to develop autonomic symptoms, neuroglycopenenic symptoms, and symptoms of catecholaminergic response.

Natural History

If left untreated, patients with insulinoma may progress to develop autonomic symptoms (diaphoresis, tremors, and palpitations), neuroglycopenenic symptoms (confusion, behavioral change, personality change, visual disturbance, seizures, and coma) and symptoms of catecholaminergic response (tremulousness, palpitations, tachycardia, sweating, hunger, anxiety, and nausea).

• They have a very slow growth rate compared to most malignant tumors

Complications

Common complications of insulinoma include:

• Severe hypoglycemic reaction
• Spreading of a cancerous tumor (metastasis)

Prognosis

Most patients with benign insulinomas can be cured with surgery. Persistent or recurrent hypoglycemia after surgery tends to occur in patients with multiple tumors. About two percent of patients develop diabetes mellitus after their surgery.