Glucagonoma is a rare type of tumor that arises from the alpha cells of the pancreas, which produce the hormone glucagon. This tumor causes an overproduction of glucagon, leading to a distinct set of symptoms primarily related to its effects on metabolism and skin. The symptoms can be quite varied but often form a recognizable pattern known as the “diabetes-dermatitis syndrome.”
One of the hallmark symptoms is **a characteristic skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema (NME)**. This rash typically appears as red, blistering patches that may peel or crust over time. It often starts in one area and then fades only to reappear elsewhere on the body. The rash usually affects areas such as around body openings (like around the mouth), lower abdomen, groin, buttocks, and sometimes limbs. The lesions are painful or itchy and can be mistaken for other dermatological conditions before diagnosis.
Another prominent symptom is **mild diabetes mellitus** or elevated blood sugar levels because excess glucagon raises glucose production in the liver by stimulating glycogen breakdown into glucose. Patients may experience typical diabetic symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite.
**Unexplained weight loss** is common due to both metabolic disturbances caused by high glucagon levels and possible malnutrition linked with digestive issues.
Patients might also suffer from **anemia**, which contributes to fatigue and weakness; this anemia can result from nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption or chronic disease effects.
Other systemic signs include:
– **Stomatitis:** Painful inflammation inside the mouth.
– **Diarrhea:** Resulting from pancreatic dysfunction affecting digestion.
– **Glossitis:** A smooth red tongue caused by nutrient deficiencies.
– Sometimes patients report nonspecific abdominal pain or discomfort.
Because glucagonomas affect hormone balance profoundly, they may cause additional metabolic disturbances like low amino acid levels in blood (hypoaminoacidemia) due to increased gluconeogenesis stimulated by excess glucagon.
In some cases where diagnosis is delayed or complicated by other factors, patients might develop complications related to diabetes control problems such as infections or poor wound healing.
Overall, when these symptoms—especially necrolytic migratory erythema combined with mild diabetes and unexplained weight loss—occur together without another clear cause, they strongly suggest a need for evaluation for glucagonoma. Early recognition helps guide appropriate testing like measuring serum glucagon levels and imaging studies focused on detecting pancreatic tumors producing excess hormone activity.
