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Disease Profile

Insulinoma

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

Unknown

US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

All ages

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ICD-10

E16.8

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Categories

Rare Cancers

Summary

Insulinoma is a type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pancreatic NET), which refers to a group of rare tumors that form in the hormone-making cells of the pancreas. Insulinomas, specifically, produce too much insulin, a hormone that reduces the level of sugar in the blood by helping it move into cells. As a result, people with insulinomas generally have very low blood sugar levels which can be associated with anxiety, confusion, hunger, a fast heart rate, and sweating. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma or even death.[1][2][3] Ninty percent of insulinomas are benign (noncancerous). In most cases, the underlying cause of insulinoma is unknown. However, people with specific genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and tuberous sclerosis are at risk of insulinomas and other endocrine tumors.[4][1] Treatment generally includes surgery to remove the tumor.[2][3]

Organizations

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

    Learn more

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    Where to Start

    • Johns Hopkins Medicine offers an information page on Insulinoma Please click on the link to access this resource.
    • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
    • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.
    • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

      In-Depth Information

      • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
      • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
      • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Insulinoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

        References

        1. Insulinoma. MedlinePlus. October 2014; https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000387.htm.
        2. Zonera Ashraf Ali, MBBS. Insulinoma. Medscape Reference. February 2016; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283039-overview.
        3. F John Service, MD, PhD. Insulinoma. UpToDate. November 2015;
        4. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. NORD. 2014; https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-neoplasms-pnens/.