A beta cell tumor, also known as an insulinoma, is a rare type of pancreatic tumor that develops from the beta cells of the pancreas. Beta cells are responsible for producing and releasing insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
The tumor in beta cell tumor is usually a small, benign growth, although in some cases it can be malignant. These tumors generally overproduce insulin, causing a condition known as hyperinsulinism. Hyperinsulinism results in excessive amounts of insulin being released into the bloodstream, leading to consistently low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia. Symptoms of beta cell tumors often arise due to this hypoglycemia.
Symptoms commonly associated with beta cell tumors include frequent episodes of confusion, dizziness, hunger, weakness, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms often occur when blood sugar levels drop too low. Some patients may experience more severe symptoms, such as seizures or loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis of beta cell tumors is typically made through a series of medical tests, including blood tests to measure insulin and glucose levels, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to locate the tumor, and possibly a biopsy to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treatment options for beta cell tumors depend on several factors, including the size, location, and the presence of metastasis. The primary treatment approach is surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, where the tumor cannot be completely removed, medical therapies, such as medications that inhibit insulin production, may be used to manage symptoms and control blood sugar levels.
