Definition of Glucagonoma:

Glucagonoma is a tumor of the islet cells of the pancreas, which secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Glucagonoma is usually malignant (cancerous). The cancer tends to spread and get worse. The cancer affects the islet cells of the pancreas. As a result, they produce too much of a hormone called glucagon.

The excess glucagon causes symptoms such as glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). Spreading of the cancer (metastasis) to the liver may occur. Glucagonoma also cause a distinctive skin lesion called necrolytic migratory erythema.

The cause is unknown, but genetic factors play a role in some cases. Risk factors include a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I).