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Glucagonoma is a medical condition, in which a tumor that produces glucagons-hormone, which raises blood glucose levels and produces a distinctive rash. Approx. 80% of such tumors are cancerous, but they grow slowly, and many individuals survive for fifteen or more years after glucogonoma is diagnosed. About 80% of the patients with glucagonoma are females. High glucagons levels result in diabetes mellitus symptoms. Frequently, the patient loses weight. Blood tests can show low blood lipid levels and anemia, but in 90% of individuals, the most distinctive symptoms such as bright-red-orange, and a smooth, shiny tongue; scaling, redish-brown skin rash (necrolytic-migratory erythema) that begins in the person’s groin and moves to the legs, forearms, and buttocks. The mouth also can have corner crackers. The diagnosis of glucagonoma is done by checking high blood levels of glucagons and after that detecting the tumor by performing exploratory abdominal surgery and angiography. The tumors are surgically removed, eliminating all the symptoms. However, if the tumor has spread or removal is not possible, anticancer-medications can lower glucagons levels, and reduce symptoms. The medicine Octreotide also lowers levels of glucagons, and can clear up the rash, control weight, and restore the appetite. However, Octreotide can increase levels of blood glucose. Ointment, containing Zinc can be prescribed to treat the skin rash. In some cases, the rashes are treated with amino acids or fatty acids given intravenously. [Source: Merck Manual of Health Information, Home Edition]
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