High levels of glucagon are typically associated with a rare tumor called a glucagonoma.
Understanding Glucagonomas
A glucagonoma is a tumor, usually found in the pancreas, that produces an excessive amount of glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that normally helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of High Glucagon Due to a Glucagonoma
When a glucagonoma causes too much glucagon to be released, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- A painful skin rash
- Weight loss
- Symptoms of diabetes
It is important to note that while high glucagon is associated with glucagonoma, it could occur due to other rare conditions or even be idiopathic (cause unknown).
Treatment Options
Treatment of high glucagon due to a glucagonoma may involve:
- Medications to manage the symptoms of excess glucagon
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation, if surgery is not possible or if the tumor is malignant.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause | Glucagonoma (a rare tumor that produces excess glucagon) |
| Symptoms | Painful skin rash, weight loss, symptoms of diabetes |
| Treatment | Medications, surgery, cancer therapies |
