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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
05:42
Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
Insulinoma--a case report
V M Dhume1, A D Amarapurkar, J D Rege
1Department of Pathology, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital and TN Medical College, Mumbai.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|November 22, 2005
Summary
Insulinoma, a rare pancreatic tumor causing low blood sugar, requires prompt surgical removal. Delayed diagnosis due to symptom misattribution can tragically lead to fatal outcomes, as seen in this case.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
- It is characterized by excessive insulin production, leading to hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.
- Surgical resection is the primary treatment to prevent potentially lethal hypoglycemia.
Observation:
- A patient presented with unconsciousness, difficulty arising from sleep, and convulsions.
- Biochemical tests confirmed severe hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.
- Symptoms were initially misattributed to psychiatric or neurological conditions.
Findings:
- The case highlights the critical diagnostic challenges associated with insulinoma.
- Delayed diagnosis is a significant factor contributing to poor patient outcomes.
- Misinterpretation of symptoms can lead to a fatal progression of the disease.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the need for increased clinical awareness of insulinoma.
- Highlights the importance of timely biochemical investigation for unexplained hypoglycemia.
- Underscores the potentially fatal consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment for insulinoma.
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