digestive disorders
Glucagonoma
Treatment of Glucagonoma
Surgical removal Sometimes chemotherapy Octreotide Ideally, the tumor is surgically removed, which eliminates all symptoms. However, if removal is not possible or if the tumor has spread, chemotherapy may reduce the levels ofglucagonand lessen the symptoms. However, chemotherapy does not improve survival. The medicationoctreotidecan be used to reduceglucagonlevels, may clear up the rash, and may restore appetite, facilitating weight gain. Butoctreotidemay elevate the levels of glucose in the blood even more. Zinc taken by mouth, applied in an ointment, or given by vein (intravenously) may be used to treat the rash. Sometimes the rash is treated with intravenous amino acids or fatty acids. 