Glucagonoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Glucagonoma?
A cancer doctor (an oncologist) usually leads care for glucagonoma, often with a surgeon. Glucagonoma is a very rare tumor of islet cells of the pancreas. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is glucagonoma?
Glucagonoma leads to too much of the hormone glucagon in the blood. In glucagonoma, the affected islet cells in the pancreas make too much glucagon.
Glucagonoma is one of the tumors called pancreatic NETs (neuroendocrine tumors). Pancreatic NETs start in islet cells. Glucagonoma is the third most common islet cell tumor that makes hormones.
Glucagonoma is usually cancerous (malignant).
Symptoms
Symptoms of glucagonoma may include any of the following:
- Glucose intolerance (body has problem breaking down sugars)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst (due to high blood sugar)
- Frequent urination (due to high blood sugar)
- Nighttime (nocturnal) urination
- Increased appetite
- Inflamed mouth and tongue
- Weight loss
- Skin rash on face, abdomen, buttocks, or feet that comes and goes.
A skin rash, high blood sugar, and blood clots (venous thrombosis) make up a group of three signs. Together, they are almost always diagnostic. High blood sugar level can cause problems with metabolism and tissue damage.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is unknown. Genetic factors play a role in some cases. When MEN I syndrome is present, there may be several tumors in the pancreas.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will do a physical exam. They will ask about your medical history and symptoms.
Tests that may be done include:
- CT scan of the abdomen
- Glucagon level in the blood
- Glucose level in the blood
- Genetic tests
A serum glucagon level greater than 1,000 pg/mL confirms the diagnosis. These tumors tend to be large and easily visible on CT scan.
Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor before it spreads is usually recommended. The main treatment is surgical resection, which means surgery to remove the tumor. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor. If the cancer spreads, doctors remove it when possible.
Chemotherapy may be done when surgery is not possible. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. If the cancer cannot be removed, doctors may use combination chemotherapy. Somatostatin analogue therapy is also used.
Medicines called somatostatin analogs can help slow the growth of some types of pancreatic NETs. They can also control symptoms caused by excess hormones. Ablation therapy destroys cancerous tissue. Ablation is most often used for tumors that have spread to the liver.
Palliative care is an important part of pancreatic NET treatment. It can be given at any stage of disease. Palliative care aims to improve quality of life. It manages symptoms. It also gives support to patients and their families.
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences can help you not feel alone.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you notice symptoms of glucagonoma. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or severe belly pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be the first provider you contact if you notice symptoms.
Common questions
Is glucagonoma cancer?
Yes, in most cases, the tumor is cancerous. If it is not treated, the cancer tends to spread and get worse.
Does glucagonoma run in families?
Sometimes it does, because genetic factors play a role in some cases. A family history of MEN I is a risk factor.
Does glucagonoma spread?
It can, and in most cases the cancer has already spread to the liver when it is diagnosed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Glucagonoma
- National Cancer Institute - Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
- National Cancer Institute - Treatment for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine (Islet Cell) Tumors
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
