Insulin Secreting Tumors of the Pancreas

Abstract

A review of 10 cases of insulin secreting islet cell tumors of the pancreas is presented. Several patients in this group presented interesting and unusual therapeutic problems. One patient with a functioning malignant islet cell carcinoma and metastases obtained relief from hypoglycemic symptoms for over 3 months following the administration of cortisone, glucagon and nitrogen mustard. Only 56 cases of this malignant tumor have been reported and this is the first patient to receive the described therapeutic regimen. The advisability of performing a blind distal pancreatectomy as has been generally recommended in adults in whom an insulin secreting adenoma is strongly suspected but cannot be located at operation is questioned.