Surgery is the preferred treatment for insulinoma. The tumor is localized with diagnostic testing or surgical exploration. Solitary tumors are removed, but patients with multiple tumors usually require partial removal of the pancreas (partial pancreatectomy). At least 15% of the pancreas is left to avoid malabsorption due to lack of pancreatic enzymes.

If no tumor is found at surgery or a patient is not a candidate for surgery, the drug diazoxide may be given to lower insulin secretion and avoid hypoglycemia. A diuretic is always given with this medication to avoid retaining too much salt. Octreotide has also been used to suppress insulin secretion in some patients. Medical treatment is also used to stabilize the person prior to surgery.

In a majority of cases, the tumor is benign and surgery is effective. However, a severe hypoglycemic reaction or the spread of malignant tumors to other organs (metastases) can be fatal.

• severe hypoglycemic reaction
• tumor metastasis

Call your health care provider if symptoms of insulinoma develop. Convulsions and decreased consciousness are emergency symptoms.