Glucagonoma, especially nonfunctioning glucagon secreting tumor is a rare isllet cell tumor of the alpha-cells of the pancreas. It is a really difficult work to find out the tumor before operation. Clinically it occurs in association with eruption which is called necrolytic migratory erythema, stomatitis, weight loss, anemia, and decreased glucose tolerance other than high blood level of glucagon. This condition is called glucagonoma syndrome. A resected case of nonfunctioning glucagon secreting tumor is reported with some discussion on the relevant literature.
A 40-year-old woman underwent ultrasonographic examination at a medical check up and a low echoic tumor was revealed at the body of the pancreas. She was admitted to the hospital in 1992.
Another various preoperative examinations and clinical findings showed no evidence of glucagonoma. Distal pancreatectomy was performed with lymph node dissection. Glucagon was also shown by immunocytologic and histochemical demonstration and glucagon granules were revealed by electron microscopy. The resected speciemen of the pancreas was shown glucagonoma and hyperplasia. Plasm glucagon level has been still kept at a high level, as of 3 years and 2 months after the operation without any evidence of recurrence. This increase might be caused by hyperplasia of the residual pancreas head.