Hyperinsulinism causing hypoglycemia in the pancreas is most commonly due to which tumor?

Hyperinsulinism causing hypoglycemia in the pancreas is most commonly due to which tumor?

• A. Pseudocyst
• B. Insulinoma
• C. Serous cystadenoma
• D. Adenocarcinoma

Answer: (B)

Insulinoma is the insulin-secreting tumor of the pancreas that causes hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. These neuroendocrine tumors arise from the pancreatic islet beta cells and release insulin autonomous of glucose levels, leading to recurrent episodes of low blood sugar, especially with fasting. It is the most common endogenous cause of hypoglycemia due to excess insulin. The other pancreatic lesions listed do not produce insulin: a pseudocyst is just a fluid collection from pancreatitis, a serous cystadenoma is a benign cystic tumor, and an adenocarcinoma is a malignant exocrine tumor that does not cause insulin-driven hypoglycemia. Imaging can be challenging because insulinomas are often small, but CT, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound help localize them, sometimes with functional testing like arterial calcium stimulation. Treatment typically involves surgical enucleation for benign lesions, with broader surgery if multiple lesions or malignancy is suspected, such as in MEN1.

Insulinoma is the insulin-secreting tumor of the pancreas that causes hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. These neuroendocrine tumors arise from the pancreatic islet beta cells and release insulin autonomous of glucose levels, leading to recurrent episodes of low blood sugar, especially with fasting. It is the most common endogenous cause of hypoglycemia due to excess insulin. The other pancreatic lesions listed do not produce insulin: a pseudocyst is just a fluid collection from pancreatitis, a serous cystadenoma is a benign cystic tumor, and an adenocarcinoma is a malignant exocrine tumor that does not cause insulin-driven hypoglycemia. Imaging can be challenging because insulinomas are often small, but CT, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound help localize them, sometimes with functional testing like arterial calcium stimulation. Treatment typically involves surgical enucleation for benign lesions, with broader surgery if multiple lesions or malignancy is suspected, such as in MEN1.