Glucagonoma is a rare pancreatic tumor that produces excess glucagon hormone. It originates from alpha cells in the pancreas and can spread to the liver. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and a migratory rash. The rash is often the first symptom and affects the skin between the genitals and anus before spreading. Surgery to remove the tumor can cure the condition, but it often spreads to the liver and is difficult to treat with chemotherapy.

2.  Glucagonoma is a very rare tumor of the
islet cells, exclusively localized in the
Pancreas, which leads to an excess of
the hormone glucagon in the blood.
 Glucagonoma originates from the Alpha
2 cells of the Pancreas.

3. (1) Viklund, A. (Photographer). (2009). Mouse islet of langerhans immunostained
for glucagon. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://biochemistryquestions.wordpress.com/category/hormones-q/
A glucagon secreting pancreatic tumor
(glucagonoma).

4.  There is no particular race specifications.
 The frequency in males and females is
equal, although greater incidences are
reported in females.
 The average age it effects people is 55 years
old but has been seen between the ages of
19-84.
 Very rare- There has only been 2705 recorded
cases of endocrine pancreatic tumors in the
U.S. over a 28 year period ending on January
1, 2003. Glucagonoma with islet cell
neoplasm's accounting for only 1.3% of
pancreatic cancer.

5.  Occurs exclusively in the Pancreas, but cancer
cells can spread to the Liver.
 Rash on the Head
 Shoulders
 Knees
 And Toes
 Typically targets
feet, abdomen, buttocks, face, and legs.
But not until we say so.

6. (2, 3, 4) Jackson, L. (Photographer). (2009). Glucagonoma. [Web
Photo]. Retrieved from http://drugster.info/ail/pathography/1367/
A crusty or scaly rash that occurs all over the body. It may
also be raised sores or lesions filled with clear fluid or pus.

7.  The cause is unknown
 But, a family history of the syndrome
multiple endocrine neoplasia type
one, which is a tumor syndrome, is a
risk factor

8.  Glucagon overproduction
 Diarrhea
 Excessive thirst
 Frequent urination
 Increase in appetite
 Inflamed mouth and tongue
 Night time urination
 Skin rash that comes and goes
 Unintentional weight loss
 High blood pressure
 Glucose intolerance
 Some cases lead to depression

9.  The cancer can spread to the liver
 High blood sugar levels can cause metabolic
problems
 Tissue damage
 High rate of Thromboembolitic complications
(blood clot)
 Pulmonary embolisms

10.  Surgery to remove the tumor
 Usually doesn’t respond to chemotherapy
 Currently, there are no drugs used to treat
Glucagonoma
 Providing a supplemental protein supply in order
to furnish amino acids is useful
 Administration of fatty acids and minerals is also
useful

11.  Approximately 60% of tumors are
malignant
 If it is contained in the pancreas, the
person has approximately a 5 year survival
rate of 85%
 Some patients live over 20 years without
therapy if benign

12. (5,6) Martinez, I. (Photographer). (2005).
Glucagonoma and necrolytic migratory erythema.
[Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?pid=S1130-
01082005000600008&script=sci_arttext
Severe skin rash in a 54 year old male who also suffered
from severe weight loss. The skin rash cleared within a
week after the operation and the patient remains free of
disease at 38 months following surgery.

13. (7) McGevna, L. (Photographer). (2010). Glucagonoma. [Web Photo].
Retrieved from
http://endocrinediseases.org/neuroendocrine/glucagonoma.shtml
The rash develops in about 70% of patients, often
before other symptoms arise. The skin condition
commonly begins as red lumps and plaques in the
perineum (the area between the genitals and
anus), groins, or abdomen, and it may migrate to
the extremities.

14.  Image (1) Viklund, A. (Photographer). (2009). Mouse islet of langerhans
immunostained for glucagon. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://biochemistryquestions.wordpress.com/category/hormones-q/
 Image (2, 3, 4) Jackson, L. (Photographer). (2009). Glucagonoma. [Web Photo].
Retrieved from http://drugster.info/ail/pathography/1367/
 Image (5,6) Martinez, I. (Photographer). (2005). Glucagonoma and necrolytic
migratory erythema. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?pid=S1130-
01082005000600008&script=sci_arttext
 Image (7) McGevna, L. (Photographer). (2010). Glucagonoma. [Web Photo].
Retrieved from http://endocrinediseases.org/neuroendocrine/glucagonoma.shtml
 Dugdale, D. (2010, December 28). Glucagonoma. Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001367/
 WebMD. (2011, May 23). Glucagonoma. Retrieved from
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/118899-overview
 A.D.A.M. (2012, February 7). Glucagonoma. Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000326.htm
 Kahn, D. (2011, June 3). Glucagonoma. Retrieved from
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/glucagonoma-and-the-glucagonoma-
syndrome