A Glucagon-Secreting Alpha-Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas

Abstract

TUMORS of the islands of Langerhans have been associated with three distinct entities: hyperinsulinism; the nlcerogenie Zollinger – Ellison syndrome; and a syndrome of diarrhea unassociated with gastric hypersecretion. This report documents a fourth type of humoral activity, that of hyperglucagonism, associated with an alpha-cell carcinoma of the pancreatic islets. It is probable that cases of this disorder are at present unrecognized, or classified otherwise. Therefore, the clinical, laboratory and cytologic findings whereby this condition may be identified are set forth.Case ReportA 42-year-old housewife was first seen in February, 1963, because of a bullous and eczematoid dermatitis of . . .